Serie B Week 39: Review

Saturday 10 May
Albinoleffe 0-4 Lecce
There was no doubt over the winners in this head-to-head for an automatic promotion place, as Lecce conquered the Stadio Atleti d’Italia. Tiribocchi started as he meant to go on, but the real rollercoaster was in the second half. Zanchetta’s free kick, Polenghi and a late Corvia finish sunk Leffe under four goals.


Mantova 1-0 Chievo
Godeas extended his lead in the Capocannoniere charts with a 26th strike and downed the Serie B kings, though thanks to other results Chievo’s three-point advantage remains intact. Noselli wasted a good chance to make it 2-0 and Gasparetto went close to an equaliser, but in the end that Godeas goal proved enough.

Grosseto 3-0 Bologna
Bologna were waiting for Chievo to slip up, but were caught in the whirlwind of surprise results this Saturday and are further away from an automatic promotion spot than ever. Garfolo’s free kick broke through before Danilevicius and Consonni counter-attacks gave Grosseto an unassailable lead in the first half. Mingazzini saw red to add insult to injury, but it is an historic moment for Grosseto, who secure safety in their first ever Serie B campaign.

Brescia 0-4 Ascoli
Brescia’s hopes of pushing into the top positions took a beating along with their pride, as Ascoli ran riot at the Rigamonti. Saverino opened the scoring from a set-piece and, after Feczesin went close to an equaliser, Belingheri and a brace from substitute Pesce buried the Rondinelle.

Pisa 0-2 Rimini
Rimini had assumed they were out of the running for that sixth play-off place, but this victory could open up a remarkable comeback trail. Pisa continue to slide in dismal form and fell behind to a Vantaggiato free kick, while in stoppages Greco put the points under lock and key.

Cesena 1-0 Avellino
This relegation dogfight was as fiery and controversial as expected and the result allows Cesena to cling on to Serie B for the moment. The home fans were livid in the first half when the referee awarded a penalty and then changed his mind, also disallowing a Salvetti strike. The pressure paid off in stoppages thanks to Cusaro getting on the end of a free kick.

Modena 1-2 Ravenna
Thanks to this win Ravenna can keep dreaming, although they are still in the bottom three on a par with Avellino. Pinardi and Succi converted spot-kicks either side of the half-time break, but midfielder Olive was decisive when he came up to meet a corner kick. Modena’s hopes were dashed after Pinardi’s second bookable offence.

Messina 0-0 Spezia
Spezia are ever closer to Serie C, although they managed to pick up a point against already-safe Messina. Although the scoreline ended goalless, both sides went close with Guidetti and Lazzari thumping the frame.

Bari 0-1 Treviso
This surprise home defeat means little for mid-table Bari, but boosts Treviso’s place in the standings considerably. It was clear the visitors were more motivated and following chances for Barreto and Piovaccari, Treviso opened the scoring. That proved to be the only goal, although Piovaccari threatened another and was only denied by the crossbar. Donda’s controversial dismissal at the dawn of the second half further dampened Bari’s ambitions.

Vicenza 2-1 Frosinone
Vicenza continue their impressive run of results with this victory over 10-man Frosinone. Masiello and Terranova scored either side of the break, but Evacuo’s goal out of nowhere created a tense finale. It was a little too tense for Scarlato, who saw red.

Triestina 1-1 Piacenza
It was an uninspiring encounter with all the action in the final stages. It took Bianchi’s red card to liven it up and prompt Milani to grab an opener, but six minutes later the referee pointed to the spot for Dedic’s equaliser.

Source: C4 Football Italia