Vicenza 0-0 Lecce
Leaders Lecce knew only a point could be enough to set off the promotion party and, against a Vicenza side that was still not safe from relegation, they weren’t ready to take many risks. Di Michele's snapshot was parried, while at the other end a Di Matteo header whistled wide. On 25 minutes there was a huge scare when Rigoni's screamer cannoned off the underside of the crossbar to bounce back out off the line. However, because both Cesena and Brescia won this weekend, Lecce postpone the celebrations once more.
Brescia 3-0 Salernitana
Brescia made a commanding step towards promotion by sinking already-relegated Salernitana. It was one-way traffic at the Rigmonti and Possanzini was crucial, threading through for Caracciolo and then crossing for Rispoli’s header. After the break Taddei secured the spoils by dribbling through the defence for a left-foot strike. It will be a fight to the final round between Brescia and Cesena for the second automatic promotion spot, as only one point separates them.
Cesena 2-1 Modena
Cesena keep the promotion race alive right down to the wire, as it’ll be a head-to-head with Brescia for that final automatic spot. Ceccarelli provided the assists for both goals, as he flashed a low ball across the face of goal for Do Prado to tap in, then floated in for Malonga’s header after the restart. Modena gave the home side a scare, though, as Catellani’s splendid volley kept the result open to the end.
Sassuolo 3-2 Empoli
Sassuolo did enough to secure their promotion play-off place with this thrilling victory. Riccio’s early half-volley from the edge of the box had it in the balance, but there was a flurry of activity in the second half. Quadrini pounced on a defensive error to chip the goalkeeper, then Vannucchi’s tap-in was quickly cancelled out by Noselli. Eder kept it open to the final whistle thanks to his fantastic solo effort, dribbling through a sea of defenders to slide home his 26th of the season.
Cittadella 3-0 Crotone
Cittadella got the points in this head-to-head for a play-off spot and are now sure their season is extended, though it was inevitably affected by a red card after just half an hour. Bellazzini broke the deadlock with a right-foot finish and the decisive moment came when Galeoto gave away Ardemagni’s penalty, earning an early shower in the process. Ardemagni put the result under lock and key with his header, even though Curiale was sent off for dissent.
Mantova 0-0 Torino
This was always set to be a tight battle between a team fighting against relegation and the visitors chasing a play-off place and in the end the point proved enough for the Granata. Bellodi was kept busy early on by Bianchi’s header, while Morello denied a Caridi curler and Locatelli effort. Ronaldo almost ruined it for his Mantova teammates by hacking down Genevier for a red card. Bianchi wasted the chance to win it for Torino by blasting straight at the goalkeeper on the counter.
Grosseto 2-2 Reggina
Grosseto fought back from 2-0 down and scraped a stoppage-time point, but it doesn’t stop their promotion play-off dreams coming to an end. It was a disappointing result for both sides, as Reggina must now wait for the final round to be secure. Viola ran on to a Tedesco through ball to open the scoring, quickly followed by Vigiani meeting Barilla’s cross from close range. Grosseto finally woke up, as Joelson nodded in his first goal from open play this season. Bonazzoli and Pagano threatened Reggina’s third, but instead deep into stoppages Alfageme went down in an Adejo-Cascione sandwich, allowing Consonni to convert the spot-kick.
Albinoleffe 1-2 Padova
Padova’s surprise away win keeps them in with a good chance of survival. Italiano’s trademark blockbuster was cancelled out by a Torri tap-in, but Cuffa nodded in the decisive goal.
Triestina 2-1 Ancona
Triestina left it to the last second in order to get a victory that prevents relegation, at least for now, but also keeps Ancona on tenterhooks for the final round. It was a dramatic afternoon and all the action developed in the second half. Testini’s header into the ground took the goalkeeper by surprise, but was cancelled out by Colacone’s tap-in with the aid of a deflection off Colombo. It hung in the balance, as Siligardi hit the woodwork and Ancona had penalty appeals waved away. Deep into stoppages Godeas fell perhaps a little too easily in the box and this warranted a spot-kick, which Della Rocca kept his cool to convert.
Ascoli 1-2 Frosinone
Frosinone were staring relegation in the face, but this away victory puts them a long way towards safety. After Cariello failed to make the most of a goalkeeping spill, Troianiello did pounce on Guarna’s error for a precise lob. Stellone’s free kick freed Santoruvo to dribble round the shot-stopper five minutes later. Ascoli did get one back through Luci’s long-range missile, though they were unlucky not to get a second when Sicignano fingertipped Lupoli’s strike on to the crossbar.
Gallipoli 1-4 Piacenza
Gallipoli were already relegated, but Piacenza were partying after securing their safety with this result. The scoreline does not entirely reflect the afternoon, as goalkeeper Puggioni was Man of the Match. The visitors made the most of early chances to go 2-0 up through Foti’s glancing header and a Guzman free kick in off the upright. Gallipoli got back into it when Tonucci brought down Viana for an Artistico penalty, but Puggioni performed miracles to keep his men in front. He proved decisive, as Foti completed the brace and Tonucci met a free kick for the fourth.
Source: Football-Italia
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