EVERYTHING STOPPED – Too little. The fact that Gelbison’s home game is a tough one is evident from the standings and the Campania team’s desire to bounce back after a very difficult few weeks. Romano never changes Messina’s tactical setup, as usual shuffling cards in the middle, with Aprile and Saverino chosen to play alongside Garufi. Otherwise, we’re close to the standard formation we’ve learned by heart. A setup that doesn’t involve anything other than staying close and well-covered, then unleashing Toure on the counterattack. Yet, the approach seemed proactive and focused on striking, thanks in part to their control of the game. It doesn’t last long, then Gelbison surges forward, with a light attacking trio that offers no reference points, trying to get close to Sorrentino. Quality is lacking, so even Agovino’s team is a big “I wish I could, but I can’t.” Only Leo tries bravely, but his scissor kick is harmless. Semeraro shows he’s a player with experience in a higher division thanks to a couple of key runs, but in the heart of the penalty area, there’s a desert. Messina awakens from its tactical torpor only when Toure is launched in depth, burns Zugaro but fires at Sakho, who nevertheless does well to get out with the right timing. Gelbison protests for a clash between Clemente and Semeraro, but for Santeramo, it’s all the result of an earlier outburst from the Campanian winger. The game goes on. And it shouldn’t even be worth mentioning, but in the silence of the Giordano stadium, even a half-hearted protest becomes news. Clemente is out injured, Bosia comes on. The first half goes by the wayside. Unforgettable.
FLASH – Messina understands that their first-half performance cannot be repeated, as the league table is in dire straits, and a win would change their mood and outlook, especially given a schedule that features a match against league leaders Savoia followed by a direct clash with Ragusa. In short, they must accelerate. Gelbison, a team in dire straits, provides a helping hand, losing the ball and launching a blistering counterattack through Toure. The number 28 runs down the right and crosses to the far post, where Saverino arrives and chests it into the corner. Agovino’s team makes an unforgivable slugfest, but credit to Messina for finally getting more than one player into the opposition’s half. This lead forces Gelbison to push forward, but with the typical confusion of teams lacking a clear idea of the game. Messina, on the other hand, can capitalize on that moment of play to close down and consolidate. Sorrentino managed the game without difficulty; indeed, another run by Toure led to the Frenchman’s right-footed shot that went just wide. Agovino picked Rossi and Delmiglio off the bench to start, followed by Diabate; Gelbison switched to an attacking 4-2-4, which, however, only stretched the team and favored an orderly Messina. Romano’s team certainly didn’t shine; the first half was mediocre technically but functional tactically. They always had the hope of not struggling. At the start of the second half, as mentioned, it wasn’t just the Campanian turnover that favored the Giallorossi, but also a more enterprising attitude when Toure gained possession. The lead then changed the psychological momentum of the match, with Gelbison lost to the maze and Messina doing well to establish tactical order throughout. Agovino’s team attempted to build something by seeking clarity, resulting in a left-footed cross from Semeraro that went wide. Tesija came on for the injured Saverino in the final; then Fravola replaced Roseti. The Campania side struggled—in fact, it was the Giallorossi who missed a repeat performance with Bombaci and Fravola. Messina pulled together and secured their third away win of the season. They now have six points in the standings.
GELBISON – MESSINA 0-1
SCORERS Saverino in the 3rd minute of the second half
GELBISON (3-4-3) Sakho; Donida (Rossi from 6′ st.), Viscomi, Zugaro (Tilli from 31′ st.); Langella (Bilal from 49′ st.), Teijo, De Feo (Diabate from 27′ st.), Semeraro; Liurni, Leo (Delmiglio from 6′ st.), Russo. (Corriere, Gorzelewski, Papaserio, Da Silva). Coach: Agovino
MESSINA (3-5-2) Sorrentino; Clemente (Bosia from 35′), Trasciani, De Caro; Maisano, Aprile (Bombaci from 44′), Garufi, Saverino (Tesija from 36′), Orlando; Toure (Azzara from 51′), Roseti (Fravola from 40′). (Paduano, Elia, Ivan). Coach Romano
REFEREE Santeramo di Monza
NOTES: Attendance: Approximately 1,000. Orlando, Viscomi, Toure, Langella, and Diabate booked. Corner: 8-4. Added time: 1′ and 6′.
