Sunday 6 June 2010

Serie B Play-offs: Brescia reach Final

Brescia are through to the promotion Play-Off Final despite losing 1-0 at home to Cittadella, who also hit the woodwork twice.

The Rondinelle had the upper hand following their 1-0 first leg away victory on Wednesday evening, decided by Mareco's header.

Cittadella needed at least two away goals and had chances with Carteri, Pettinari and Ardemagni. The clearest opportunity came on 31 minutes when Iunco's header from a corner kick thumped the upright.


Arcari had to parry efforts from Bellazzini, Pettinari and Manucci, then just shy of the hour mark the visitors rattled the woodwork again with Iunco.

Brescia seemed content to soak up the pressure and protect the first leg lead, as only Possanzini and Budel seemed to threaten.

They also knew that even a 1-0 defeat here would send them through, as instead of away goals these play-offs are decided by which team finished higher up the table.

The home team finally created a good chance on 78 minutes, when Possanzini cut back for Rispoli’s parried effort.

Dalla Bona’s long-range screamer flashed over the bar and Cittadella finally made their dominance count with Curiale’s acrobatic volley.

This meant one more goal would qualify the minnows and they poured forward in stoppages with even more vehemence.

However, it was too late to make a difference and Brescia reach the Final thanks to their superior final league position after a 1-1 aggregate result.

They will now meet either Sassuolo or Torino in the two-legged Play-off Final next week.

[Serie B Play-off & Play-out Reviews]

Source: Football-Italia

No comments:

Post a Comment