Serie B Week 35: Review

Saturday 12 April
Chievo 1-1 Bologna
The big showdown between the top two teams ended in a draw, as it was all decided in the space of three minutes. Chievo had a strong start and Obinna wasted several good chances before Valiani put Bologna in front against the run of play when his shot cannoned in off the underside of the crossbar. The Flying Donkeys could have had the wind knocked out of them, but instead drew level within three minutes. Pellissier held off Giubilato to thread an angled drive past Antonioli and equalise. Just before the break the Rossoblu goalkeeper needed a splendid double save to deny Obinna’s close-range effort and the Pellissier follow-up. Bonetto performed a goalline clearance from a corner and Bentivoglio’s shot was deflected as Chievo dominated proceedings, but could not put their leadership beyond doubt.


Albinoleffe 2-3 Brescia
The Lombardy derby was certainly entertaining with constant turnarounds and a dramatic finale that changes the shape of the play-off zone. In the opening 120 seconds Gervasoni pushed Zambrella over in the box and, although Coser saved Tacchinardi’s penalty, he could do nothing on the follow-up. Caracciolo made it 2-0 soon after, but Albinoleffe fought back in spectacular fashion. Serafini’s first ever Serie B header was followed on the hour mark by Cellini’s equaliser. It seemed to be heading for a draw, but eight minutes from time Taddei snatched a dramatic winner and was promptly sent off for excessive celebrating.

Modena 1-2 Lecce
Lecce had to fight back and rely on an own goal to grab victory at the Stadio Braglia. Antonazzo had put Modena in front, but after the restart Tiribocchi proved decisive. He netted the equaliser, then forced Perna into an error on Vives’ cross.

Pisa 0-0 Messina
Pisa’s dismal period of form continues with a disappointing draw against the equally troubled Messina. The Sicilians got what they wanted as they set out a defensive line-up and were helped when Castillo saw red.

Cesena 1-2 Rimini
This was a devastating defeat that could spell an end to Cesena’s hopes of safety. They had taken the lead through Biasi and the result seemed to be secure when Rimini struck twice in 120 seconds with Greco and Ricchiuti.

Mantova 2-1 Treviso
Godeas strengthened his Capocannoniere credentials to give Mantova a hard fought victory. Beghetto had converted a spot-kick early on, but before half-time Godeas had struck twice for his 23rd goal of the campaign. It does little to boost a side that must surely be out of the play-off race, while it leaves Treviso hovering above the danger zone.

Frosinone 3-3 Ascoli
This was a thoroughly entertaining six-goal thriller that saw Frosinone fight back from 2-0 down only to have victory snatched from their grasp in the last nine minutes. Guberti and Bernacci put Ascoli in absolute control, but Evacuo bundled the ball over the line just before the break to give the home side hope. Scarlato and Ischia completed the comeback to give Frosinone the lead, but Cioffi silenced the crowd to round out the scoreline.

Bari 2-1 Spezia
Bari had an early scare, but confirmed their mid-table status and Spezia’s battle against relegation. Di Vicino smashed a long-range strike after eight minutes to stun the San Nicola crowd and it kept Spezia ahead until the second half. Bari woke up and in quick succession Cavalli and Santoruvo turned it all around.

Vicenza 2-1 Avellino
This relegation six-pointer was decided in the space of 10 minutes after the restart. Avellino had gone in front through Pellicori, but Matteini and Bernardini turned it around completely to spark the Stadio Menti celebrations.

Grosseto 1-2 Triestina
Triestina can consider themselves safely in Serie B after this important away victory that plunges Grosseto further towards the drop. Granoche’s opener was soon cancelled out by Danilevicius, but Petras put the points under lock and key before the half-hour mark.

Ravenna 1-0 Piacenza
Ravenna keep their desperate hopes of avoiding relegation just about alive with this surprise win. Youngster Ferrario got the only goal of the game, sealing a second straight defeat for Piacenza.

Source: C4 Football Italia