The Peloritani won their final regular-season match 1-0 thanks to the Franco-Malian striker’s stunning goal early in the second half, securing a playoff spot for Serie D. It was the striker’s sixth goal. Next Sunday, the season-ending match against Iblei will take place.
Pre-match. The final regular season fixture in Group I of Serie D. Messina , hungry for points to secure a play-off spot, hosts Milazzo , led by former teammate Catalano, at the “Franco Scoglio” stadium. Trasciani is out due to suspension, with Clemente returning. Feola made two further changes to the starting eleven (Bosia and Maisano) compared to the Barcelona match. Tedesco joins Tourè up front. Oliviero and Roseti sit on the bench, along with Werner. The match is played the day after the National Federal Court ruled against Reggina ‘s appeal against the club, ruling that the championship can continue. Former Giallorossi coach Simone Banchieri , on vacation in Messina with his family, was present in the stands and presented with an official jersey by president Justin Davis . Before kickoff, a minute’s silence was observed to honor the memory of Alex Zanardi , a great sports champion and an extraordinary example of human values. Kick-off is at 3:09 PM to ensure simultaneous play on all pitches.
The match report. Messina, fueled by increased motivation, attempted to make an immediate impact up front. In the 11th minute, Tourè crossed for Matese, who headed it in, but Quartarone found an easy target. The tempo was decidedly slow, with the Giallorossi in control. In the 21st minute, Maisano took the initiative down the right, played it to Zucco, and fired a low shot that went just wide. In the 31st minute, Tourè’s cross was saved by Salvo, who narrowly beat Tedesco to the far post. From the following corner, Clemente headed (with a deflection) into the side-netting. Zucco squandered a huge opportunity in the 37th minute: after combining with Matese, the number 8 shot weakly into the keeper’s arms. In the 40th minute, Quartarone excelled with a superb reflex save on Matese’s header, saving his own goal. At the end of the half, the Mamertini made their first notable move with Greco (a former player alongside Quartarone, Cassaro, and Giunta) taking a long shot after coming in front of Giardino and being blocked by Bombaci. A minute later, La Spada’s header went over the crossbar, but the Giallorossi defense left him alone. The score went into halftime at 0-0.
Upon the restart, Oliviero came on for Maisano. The second half started subdued, until the ninth minute saw the key moment that broke the deadlock. Tourè burst forward on the left and disoriented a pair of opponents with a series of feints, then unleashed a spectacular shot that curled into the far corner. Messina took the lead thanks to the Franco-Malian striker’s sixth goal of the season. Milazzo made three substitutions: former player Giunta made room for Franchina and Morabito. Roseti replaced Tedesco at the center of Messina’s attack. The whirlwind of substitutions continued, with Zerbo coming on for Zucco. Not much else happened. In the 28th minute, Bombaci’s attempt was blocked by a defender. Galesio replaced La Spada. Tourè, the scorer of the goal, left the field to applause, replaced by Kaprof. Bombaci’s subsequent attempt from the left was also to be forgotten, but his shot went way off target. The match at the Franco Scoglio ended 1-0. Messina overtook Sancataldese (who suffered a resounding defeat in Torre Annunziata against Savoia, who now advance to Serie C), finishing on 32 points after an initial 14-point deficit, condemning the Verdeamaranto to direct relegation along with Paternò. Garufi and his teammates finished level on points with Acireale ( who were defeated in Vibo Valentia) and will face Ragusa in the play-off on Sunday, May 10th, away , after they were defeated by Athletic Club Palermo. The match will be played over 90 minutes, with extra time available (no penalties; in the event of a draw, the rules would award the higher-placed team), for a must-win relegation mission.
The scoresheet. Messina-Milazzo 1-0
Goalscorer: 9′ st Tourè.
Messina (3-5-2): Giardino; Clemente, De Caro, Bosia; Maisano (1′ st Oliviero), Matese (45′ st Papallo), Garufi, Zucco (28′ st Zerbo), Bombaci; Tourè (32′ st Kaprof), Tedesco (22′ st Roseti). Subs: Sorrentino, Aprile, Saverino, Werner, Bonofiglio. Coach Feola
Milazzo: (3-5-2): Quartarone; Dama, Cassaro, Sardo; Pipitone, Silvestri, Currò (34′ st Chiappetta), Giubrone (16′ st Giunta), Salvo (16′ st Franchina); Greco (Morabito, 6′ st), La Spada (Galesio, 30′ st). Substitutes: Mileto, Franchina, Vaiana, Bosetti, Moschella. Coach: Catalano.
Referee: Francesco Saffioti of Como (Assistant referees: Fabrizio Perri of Lamezia Terme and Elisa Lavarra of Cosenza).
Notes – Yellow cards: Dama (Mi), Giunta (Mi), Kaprof (Me), Zerbo (Me). Added time: 2′ 1st, 5′ 2nd.
