Serie B - Week 41: Weekend Review

Saturday 23 May
Parma 4-0 Vicenza
Already-promoted Parma celebrated their return to Serie A in style, but the result was overshadowed by a serious accident at the Stadio Tardini. On the hour mark a Vicenza fan fell from the stands and the game was suspended for 20 minutes while he received treatment an taken to hospital. As for the match itself, it felt more like a training exercise even before then. Alberto Paloschi scored a brace, including a left-foot strike that squirmed through goalkeeper Alberto Frison's hands, while Francesco Lunardini also netted and Sasa Bjelanovic accidentally put through his own net by redirecting Julio Cesar Leon's corner. The Gialloblu are still two points behind Bari in the race for the title.


Salernitana 3-2 Bari
Salernitana took a huge step towards safety by defeating the leaders Bari, who are still looking to wrap up the championship title. Paulo Vitor Barreto scored his 22nd of the season just four minutes in from close range, but Massimo Ganci equalised for the hosts and Francesco Scarpa turned it around despite suspicions of offside. When Arturo Di Napoli's left-foot shot caught Nicola Santoni napping, it seemed all over, but Andrea Ranocchia's header set up a tense finale. The Galletti will go up into Serie A as champions if they match Parma's result against Treviso at home on the final day.

Livorno 0-1 Albinoleffe
Livorno's home form continues to amaze as this defeat could prove very costly for their hopes of finishing third and prompted the sacking of coach Leonardo Acori after th match. Pulzetti fired straight at the goalkeeper in the opening minute, Danilevicius had a goal ruled out for offside and Candreva wasted one-on-one as the Amaranto dominated the first half without actually scoring. Diamanti came on for the second half and thumped the post from distance. Instead Albinoleffe scored with their only chance, a Perico snooker shot that silenced the Stadio Picchi crowd. To make matters worse, Filippini and Perticone were sent off and will be suspended for next week's final game. Despite the defeat, the Amaranto secure a play-off spot thanks to other results going their way.

Brescia 4-2 Sassuolo
Brescia took a big risk sacking Nedo Sonetti this week, but Alberto Cavasin had a winning debut in this head-to-head that mathematically puts them in the play-offs and keeps Sassuolo out. Donazzan brought down Taddei for Baronio's spot-kick and Masucci equalised for Sassuolo soon after, latching on to a deflected Zampagna shot and beating the goalkeeper at the second attempt. The Rondinelle poured forward with chances for Nassi, Possanzini and Zambrella before Taddei restored their lead on the stroke of half-time. Bressan had done well to parry Nassi's snapshot, but Taddei was quick to flick in the rebound with his heel. Zoboli's header seemed to seal it, but Noselli sparked a late Sassuolo fightback. Zampagna was halted clear on goal for an incorrect offside position and deep into stoppages Possanzini confirmed Brescia's victory on the counter. Sassuolo are two points behind sixth-placed Grosseto going into the final day.

Empoli 4-0 Triestina
Empoli celebrate their qualification for the play-offs with a crushing victory over potential contenders Triestina. Youngster Musacci went through on Pozzi's splendid assist and just before the break the provider turned scorer by springing the offside trap. It was similar one-way traffic in the second half, as veterans Flachi and Saudati rounded out the scoreline. The visitors remain in contention for a top six finish, but they, like Sassuolo, sit two points behind Grosseto and the final available play-off spot.

Ancona 1-1 Grosseto
The draw leaves both teams hanging by a thread at either ends of the table, as Ancona risk relegation and Grosseto are almost in the play-offs. The home side tested the goalkeeper with Surraco and Catinali early on, but it was Cordova who scored against the run of play with a blockbuster. Shot-stopper Polito proved decisive with a series of saves, but even he could do nothing when Mastronunzio's effort took a deflection off Federici. The home side will go into the final day needing to better the results of rivals above them to avoid the automatic relegation while Grosseto just need to match Sassuolo and Triestina's results to hold onto sixth spot.

Modena 2-1 Avellino
The defeat in the big relegation hea-to-head saw Avellino relegated to Lega Pro 1, but Modena aren't entirely safe yet either. The Canarini have been on fine form with four wins from their last six, so it was no surprise when Bruno ran on to Pinardi's pass to break the deadlock. Gazzola picked up a second booking and Pecorari saw red for dissent, yet Avellino wouldn't give in. Bruno had another ruled offside and Aubameyang wasted several chances to equalise before Koman netted 10 minutes from time. Avellino's hopes were wiped out though when Troiano snatched victory for the home side. A win on the final day will secure Modena's survival.

Frosinone 1-0 Cittadella
Frosinone are mathematically safe from relegation after a late winner over Cittadella. Pierobon denied Dedic an opener, but Guidi got the goal that counted with nine minutes to go, as he got on the end of a free kick. Cittadella still have work to do on the final day to move away from the final automatic relegation spot and the play-out positions.

Rimini 1-1 Pisa
Rimini are all but safe, but the same cannot be said for the visitors. Tension ran throughout this encounter and the home team had the chance to take the lead when the referee pointed to the spot, but Cejas did well to save Ricchiuti's penalty. The opener arrived eventually as Sottil was allowed a free header from La Camera's corner kick, but right at the death the referee intervened again and Genevier did not miss. A win for Pisa on the final day will secure their second division status.

Piacenza 1-2 Mantova
Mantova are safe from the threat of a relegation play-out thanks to this victory at mid-table Piacenza. Godeas tapped in from close range and then Corona redirected a D'Aversa free kick after the break. Siligardi came off the bench to keep Piace in it with a well-taken strike, but the difference in motivation was obvious.

Treviso 1-1 Ascoli
This match had little to give its fans other than a point that mathematically ensures Ascoli's survival. Treviso were already relegated and it showed, as within four minutes Belingheri had taken advantage of static defending to convert Cani's assist. Musetti kept up appearances just before the break by tapping in the equaliser from close range.

Source: C4 Football Italia