The midfielder’s third goal in four games was a crucial blitz in the fight for survival: the play-off zone is now four points away, and direct survival is seven. Messina came close to taking the lead in the first half with Touré, who then scored the decisive goal with an assist for the former Sant’Agata player. The Campania side failed to score and squandered one of their few chances through Semeraro.
Pre-match. The Campanians have already lost three times at home, and the Peloritani are looking to bounce back after the defeat in Caltanissetta and the disappointing draw against Vibonese. Romano will be without Zucco. A new addition to the starting lineup: Saverino , who has scored in the last two home games, replaces Tesija. The match will take place on neutral ground in Castelnuovo Cilento , in the province of Salerno.
The match report. In the 3rd minute, Maisano immediately made an attacking move on the right, but his shot was blocked by the defense. In the 8th minute, Liurni wasted a free kick in the penalty area, and the Campania team then squandered a free kick in the attacking midfield. Between the 10th and 11th minutes, Leo attempted two attempts, but the visitors’ defense denied him. In the 16th minute, Aprile pushed down the left: the first corner for ACR as well. In the 23rd minute, Russo recovered the ball and won yet another corner. The former Matera and Acireale striker tried again shortly after with an overhead kick from Donida’s cross, but his sloppy effort was blocked by Sorrentino.
In the 27th minute, Messina came close to taking the lead: Touré found himself alone in front of Samba, who saved in two attempts. At the other end, Semeraro fell in the penalty area, but despite his protests, Gelbison was denied a penalty. Russo eluded Orlando, who brought him down and was booked. Romano immediately made a substitution: Clemente—who was complaining of a sprain—made way for Bosia. In the 40th minute, Saverino tried a move down the left and earned yet another corner, then Semeraro stopped Touré on the right. In the 43rd minute, Viscomi was also shown a yellow card after a clash with the Franco-Malian. The score went to halftime with the score 0-0.
At the start of the second half, Russo immediately had a go, but his shot hit the crossbar. Messina took the lead in the third minute: Touré broke down the right and crossed into the middle, where Saverino simply had to tap it in. It was the former Sant’Agata defender’s third goal in just four games, a goal he celebrated with his teammates on the bench. Agovino tried to remedy the situation by bringing on Rossi and Delmiglio, but the Campania side were unable to find the net. It wasn’t until the 18th minute that Zugaro’s shot from distance was blocked by Saverino, and then Teijo’s attempt was blocked.
In the 21st minute, Messina nearly made it 2-0 with Touré, whose shot went just wide, giving the illusion of a second goal. In the 24th minute, Liurni tried his luck, but his shot was blocked, and Touré stings on the counterattack down the left. Rossi tries his luck , but his shot is still wide, then the Franco-Malian wins yet another free kick. Agovino continues to make changes, but without any particular success.
In the 33rd minute, Semeraro had a good chance, the best of the match for his team, but his shot went wide. Romano made the first substitution of the second half, bringing on Tesija for the match-winner Saverino. Teijo was again inaccurate, then Samba blocked the curling shot from Aprile, who had freed himself well in the area. Sorrentino easily blocked Russo’s free kick in the 41st minute. In the sixth minute of injury time, Fravola failed to take full advantage of Bombaci’s assist. It ended there. It was a crucial victory for Messina, who moved to within four points of the play-off zone and seven points of safety. The third away win of the season, the fifth overall, is a huge confidence boost ahead of the home match against Savoia and the final steps in the changeover between the management and Racing City Group.
The scoresheet. Gelbison-Messina 0-1.
Goalscorer: Saverino in the 3rd minute of the second half.
Gelbison: Samba, Langella, Semeraro, De Feo (26th minute of the second half Diabate), Teijo, Liurni, Donida (6th minute of the second half Rossi), Zugaro (31st minute of the second half Tilli), Russo, Viscomi, Leo (6th minute of the second half Delmiglio). On the bench: Corriere, Gorzelewski, Papaserio, Brusdeilins, Da Silva. Coach: Agovino.
Messina: Sorrentino, Garufi, De Caro, Trasciani, Aprile (44th minute of the second half Bombaci), Clemente, Maisano, Orlando (34th minute of the first half Bosia), Saverino (35th minute of the second half Tesija), Touré (51st minute Azzara), Roseti (40th minute of the second half Fravola). On the bench: Paduano, Elia, Ivan. Coach Romano.
Referee: Andrea Santeramo of Monza (assistants: Nicola De Candia and Leonardo Grimaldi, both from Bari).
Notes – Yellow cards: Orlando (M), Viscomi (G), Aprile (M), Langella (G), Diabate (G). Added time: 1′ first half and 6′ second half. Corner: 6-3.
