Brescia 0-1 Cesena
This was a promotion play-off, as the two teams were locked together in third place on 48 points, and the result could prove decisive come the end of the season. Arcari was forced into a great one-handed save to deny Schelotto, but could do nothing when Lauro pulled back from the byline for Greco's angled drive. Brescia fought back and went close, but Possanzini flashed wide from close range. Cesena were under siege for the final 20 minutes, but held out for all three precious points.
Salernitana 1-2 Lecce
It was top against bottom as the leaders visited the side propping up the table. It was a fiery start to the match with Rosati using his foot to deflect Dionisi’s strike on to the upright. Moments later Lecce took the lead with Munari’s header, but Cozza had other plans. First his free kick was tipped on to the crossbar, then he curled in directly from the corner flag with Rosati unable to stop it going completely over the line. It was a cracking encounter with Dionisi’s goal controversially ruled offside, Angelo, Cozza and Marilungo going close, but on the stroke of half-time Merino incredibly hit the woodwork with only the goalkeeper to beat. Salernitana were made to pay for that mistake, as Di Michele made the most of Fusco’s error to restore Lecce’s advantage. Dionisi let the tension get to him and was sent off for dissent, so the Salentini earned their first win here in 30 years.
Sassuolo 0-0 Albinoleffe
Sassuolo fumbled second place with this disappointing stalemate. Valeri, Cellini and Cristiano had chances, but Quadrini wasted a great opportunity to score when he dribbled past the goalkeeper only to narrow the angle too much. Albinoleffe Coach Emiliano Mondonico was sent off for dissent in a tense encounter, though his men could’ve won it at the death when Bombardini’s rocket from 30 metres smacked against the crossbar.
Torino 1-0 Ascoli
A late goal proved enough for Torino, who dominated this encounter and yet barely scraped the points. The Granata got off to a very aggressive start, but only skimmed the woodwork with Pestrin, Pià’s cross-shot and Ogbonna’s glancing header. It was mainly Toro, as Gasbarroni tested the goalkeeper and Bianchi volleyed his effort on to the upright. They finally found a way through after 84 minutes when Genevier got his head to Gasbarroni’s cross. However, in stoppages Ascoli threatened a thoroughly undeserved point when Sereni’s outstretched foot denied Di Donato from point-blank range.
Padova 1-0 Grosseto
Grosseto fell to a shock defeat at relegation-threatened Padova that knocks them down to fifth place. Joelson’s header cracked against the woodwork, a goalline clearance denied Turati and Capocannoniere Pinilla limped off in the first half. Di Nardo got the winner when slipping between three defenders to turn in Vantiaggiato’s assist.
Ancona 1-2 Reggina
Reggina caused a huge upset with this last-gasp victory against promotion-chasing Ancona. The Amaranto took a surprise lead at the Stadio Del Duca early on when Barillà bundled it over the line through a crowd of legs. There could’ve been more, as Brienza wasted two great chances one-on-one with the Ancona goalkeeper. However, the home side drew level thanks to top scorer Mastronunzio, who pounced on a poor clearance. Miramontes drilled wide from distance and there was a bizarre incident when Cacia was sent off after leaving the field for time-wasting, as he took so long to depart that he earned a second booking. There was to be another twist, as Reggina snatched victory in stoppages with Missiroli’s delightful chip.
Piacenza 1-1 Cittadella
Cittadella finally hit the breaks after five consecutive victories, but it was never going to be easy against a side with such a strong home record. Pettinari went so close when his effort rattled the frame of the goal, but moments later Moscardelli put Piacenza in front with a right-foot scorcher into the top corner. Cittadella got their equaliser in controversial circumstances, as Ardemagni might’ve been offside when he redirected Pettinari’s wayward shot. Dallabona saw red for a second bookable offence, but 10-man Cittadella held on.
Empoli 4-0 Mantova
Empoli crushed the relegation strugglers, who weren’t helped by playing the entire second half with 10 men. Vannucchi took just five minutes to open the scoring with a precise angled drive, but Mantova were still in it until Salviato brought down Coralli for a red card and penalty. After the break Eder set up Coralli’s second before netting the fourth himself with a piledriver from the edge of the box.
Frosinone 0-0 Modena
Frosinone are without a victory in a month and slip to just two points clear of the relegation play-out places, while Modena fail to make the step up to promotion play-off contenders. Nonetheless, there was a remarkable lack of ambition from both sides in this game, prompting protests from the fans.
Vicenza 0-2 Crotone
This surprise away victory is a crucial result for the relegation battle, as it allows Crotone to leapfrog their opponents in the table. Cutolo’s powerful strike opened the scoring from outside the box and visiting goalkeeper Concetti was decisive on Madonna and Sgrigna. Even after Bonvissuto was sent off for dissent, Crotone still doubled their lead through a Zito counter-attack.
Frosinone 0-0 Modena
Frosinone are without a victory in a month and slip to just two points clear of the relegation play-out places, while Modena fail to make the step up to promotion play-off contenders. Nonetheless, there was a remarkable lack of ambition from both sides in this game, prompting protests from the fans.
Source: Football-Italia
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