Cesena 2-3 Empoli
Empoli caused a huge upset by conquering the Manuzzi against second-placed Cesena in a five-goal thriller. The home side were leading twice, but still emerged without a single point from the Friday night kick-off. Within the opening 90 seconds Do Prado got a glancing header to Colucci's free kick to break the deadlock. Empoli equalised just before the break thanks to Coralli at the second time of asking, but once again straight after the restart Cesena went in front through Schelotto's backheel flick from a Giaccherini cross. However, the Tuscans completed a remarkable comeback with Musacci's strike from the edge of the box and a brilliant De Giorgio solo effort. It could've been 3-3 at the death, but Bassi parried a Djuric header.
Saturday 24 April
Grosseto 0-3 Lecce
Grosseto were in joint fifth place going into this round, but leaders Lecce marched to all three points, as top scorer Pinilla’s absence was sorely felt. Mesbah’s early opportunity was charged down, while Marilungo, Pichlmann and Vitofrancesco threatened. However, Giacomazzi broke through by sliding on to a perfect Di Michele assist from the left, then in first half stoppages Angelo combined with Marilungo to make it 2-0. Marilungo forced a tough save out of Caparco, but when Grosseto were awarded a penalty, Pichlmann ballooned it over the bar. It was a heavy blow and Lecce secured the spoils soon after through Corvia.
Sassuolo 1-0 Ancona
Sassuolo are the only side to keep up Lecce's pace, although they struggled to see off Ancona when playing with 10 men. It could've been more, but Martinetti and Noselli's finishing left something to be desired. The former did get one effort in the back of the net and that decided the match. Miramontes and De Falco went close, but failed to take advantage of the situation when Rossini's last man foul on Colacone prompted a red card.
Cittadella 6-0 Mantova
This was the epitome of one-way traffic, as troubled Mantova slide closer to relegation. Ardemagni began the rout with a left-foot strike under the bar, then Bellazzini started the road to his hat-trick. First he struck from the edge of the box, then his drive flashed across the face of goal and – after Pettinari met a corner – completed his treble of left-foot efforts. Mantova finally crumbled to a sixth late on through Pettinari.
Brescia 0-0 Reggina
Brescia lose ground on leaders Lecce with this disappointing stalemate, but it's a great result for struggling Reggina. Possanzini's overhead kick clipped the topof the crossbar, while at the other end Missiroli's goal was controversially disallowed for a push. The Rondinelle laid siege late on, but Caracciolo and Possanzini couldn't find a way through. Brescia had a celebrity hometown supporter in the stands - Inter striker Mario Balotelli.
Crotone 1-0 Torino
Torino were expected to do well against a side that is comfortably mid-table, but got off to the worst possible start. Within 60 seconds Gabionetta had opened the scoring for Crotone with a blockbuster of a left-foot shot from distance. Russotto went close to a second, then from the resulting corner Beati horribly missed when one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Crotone did score a second, but it was disallowed before half-time, while Russotto’s chip beat both Sereni and the crossbar. Toro also wasted opportunities with Gasbarroni and Arma, but it was again Sereni who came to the rescue on Ginestra. Pestrin’s cross-shot went past a distracted Concetti to thump the post, but Leon made matters worse for the Granata when he saw red for dissent, following Coach Stefano Colantuono.
Albinoleffe 4-1 Frosinone
Torri bagged a hat-trick to crussh sorry Frosinone and effectively secured Albinoleffe's safety. Few expected the striker to start this match, but he confirmed his fine form with two precise headers and a second half lob. Cariello got a consolation goal thanks to some poor defending, but Ruopolo completed the rout by combining with Bombardini. Scarlato saw red for a second bookable offence.
Ascoli 1-1 Piacenza
The points were shared with two goals towards the end of the first half. Pesce skimmed the woodwork and Guerra turned wide, but turned provider for Moscardelli at the back post after 38 minutes. In first half stoppages Moscardelli thought he'd scored a second, but was denied by the crossbar, so Ascoli went on the counter and equalised through Antenucci's angled drive.
Vicenza 0-0 Padova
This was a local derby, but the tension of the occasion seemed to dominate proceedings. There were barely any shots on goal, as the closest either side got to troubling the 'keepers came from Bonaventura and Botta.
Gallipoli 3-2 Salernitana
Salernitana were already relegated but this valiant effort ended in defeat against another side trying to avoid the drop. Orlando had given the visitors the lead by nodding in a corner, but Scaglia's screamer and a penalty quickly cancelled that out. Orlando thought he had earned a point by pouncing on a defensive error, but within 60 seconds Centi had punished them again.
Monday 26 April
Triestina 1-1 Modena
Ten-man Modena managed to hold on for a vital point against Triestinta at the Stadio Nereo Rocco. The locals were looking to get out of the drop zone and they missed a great chance against a direct rival. It was a balanced match and it took a controversial penalty to give Triestina the lead. Modena were then reduced to ten men and it looked as if it was all over for them. But the visitors didn't give in and found the equaliser with a precise touch from their top scorer Bruno. Triestina then came forward looking for the winner, but the Gialloblu managed to hold on to a deserved draw.
Source: Football-Italia
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