Serie B Week 28: Review

Saturday 1 March
Bologna 2-1 Cesena
Bologna have regained the leadership of Serie B thanks to Lecce’s comeback at Chievo. As usual, Marazzina broke the deadlock early on with a cracking left-foot volley, but Cesena were tougher to defeat than expected and drew level thanks to Croce’s strike. It remained in the balance until 13 minutes from time, as Bucchi popped up with the winner to send the Rossoblu clear at the top.


Chievo 3-3 Lecce
The big top of the table showdown saw the leaders come face to face with the most dangerous figure in the chasing pack and it was an absolutely thrilling encounter. Obinna had a goal disallowed in the opening 20 seconds for a push on the goalkeeper, then Bentivoglio hit the upright and moments later Iunco was brought down for a Marcolini spot-kick. Lecce were under intense pressure, but fought back when Valdes pounced on a defensive error. It was non-stop action with Italiano’s rocket of a free kick parried into the path of Mantovani and after the restart Pellissier dispossessed Diamoutene to make it 3-1. The visitors seemed done and dusted, but Mandelli tripped Diamoutene and Valdes converted the penalty. Just seven minutes later, former Chievo hero Tiribocchi struck for 3-3 with a fantastic left-foot drive. It was action-packed until the final whistle, as in stoppages Maldonado gave away a penalty and saw red, but Squizzi was the hero to save Abbruscato's weak spot-kick. Tempers flared and Italiano was also dismissed for simulation.

Bari 0-1 Albinoleffe
At the start of the season these two sides were expected to challenge for mid-table at best, but in Week 38 Albinoleffe have climbed into second place. Santoruvo failed to make the most of Donda’s assist and Ferrari thumped the woodwork for the visitors before he snatched the only goal of the game with a classic counter. Ferrari could in reality have had a hat-trick, but hit the crossbar for the second time in stoppages.

Pisa 2-0 Treviso
Pisa keep themselves in the promotion race with this hard-fought victory. Castillo is back on top of the Capocannoniere charts with his 19th goal of the season, but it could have been 20 had Calderoni not saved his penalty. Kutuzov put the points under lock and key after the break.

Ravenna 0-0 Brescia
Brescia’s race up the standings stalled with this unexpected stalemate at relegation strugglers Ravenna. Both sides had chances to take the points, as Viviano required fantastic saves to deny Toledo and Sforzini, while Zambrella failed to get on the end of Dallamano’s cross. Even after Pizzolla was sent off – incredibly he had been on the field for just over 90 seconds – Brescia failed to take advantage and Marruocco kept out Zoboli’s last opportunity.

Rimini 1-1 Frosinone
Rimini needed a late rally to grab a point against little Frosinone in front of their home fans. Margiotta struck on the stroke of half-time and it was only after Pecchia’s dismissal that Porchia was able to equalise two minutes from the final whistle.

Mantova 2-0 Triestina
Mantova fired Coach Attilio Tesser last week and new man Giuseppe Brucato got off to a fine start. Although his team struggled to find a way through, two goals in seven minutes proved enough. Caridi netted the first of Brucato’s reign followed by Corona’s strike.

Avellino 0-2 Ascoli
Ascoli plunged Avellino into the relegation zone, ahead of Spezia only on goal difference. Bernacci waited until first half stoppages to strike and, after Soncin grabbed a second and Porcari saw red, there was nothing more to be done at the Stadio Partenio.

Messina 3-3 Modena
It was another six-goal thriller in Week 28, as Messina completed an extraordinary comeback from 3-1 down. D’Aversa gave Modena a heloing hand by accidentally turning into his own net, then Bruno converted a spot-kick and took his tally for the season to 12 after Giosa’s hopeful goal. The Sicilians finally woke up in the final 25 minutes, as Stendardo brought it back to 3-2 and in the final moments Biancolino converted a decisive penalty.

Spezia 1-2 Piacenza
Piacenza secured a potentially crucial away victory to climb away from the relegation dogfight. Gemiti and Nef had given the visitors a 2-0 advantage, though Eliakwu ensured it was tense right up until the death. The hero of the hour was goalkeeper Maurantonio, who saved Millesi’s last minute penalty.

Vicenza 0-0 Grosseto
There was barely anything to report from the Stadio Menti, where two teams locked in the relegation battle were terrified of defeat.

Source: C4 Football Italia