Messina – Ragusa 1-0
Scorer: 24′ st Toure
Messina (4-2-3-1): Garden 6; De Caro 6, Trasciani 6.5, Bosia 6.5, Pedicone 6; Matese 5.5 (13′ st April 6), Garufi 6.5; Oliviero 6.5 (45′ st Maisano sv), Zucco 6.5 (34′ st Saverino 6), Toure 7; Roseti 5.5 (13′ st Tedesco 7). On the bench: Sorrentino, Kaprof, Zerbo, Bombaci, Bonofiglio. All.: Cirino 6.5 (Feola disqualified)
Ragusa (3-5-2): M. Esposito 6; B. Esposito 5.5, Callegari 5, Prestigiacomo 5; Accept 6 (34′ st Palladino sv), D’Innocenzo 6, Memeo 6.5 (21′ st Martorelli 5.5), D’Amore 5.5 (27′ Capone 6), Ciniero 5.5 (45′ st Brugaletta sv); Golfo 6 (5′ st Sinatra 5.5), Campanile 5.5. On the bench: Bonagura, Benassi, Alì, Crisci. All. Lucenti 5.5.
Referee: Prince of Tivoli 5.5
Notes: Booked: Bosia (M), Accept (R), Trasciani (M), Ciniero (R), M. Esposito (R), Saverino (M). Corner: 4-3 – Added time: 2′ and 6′
All that mattered was winning and so it was for Messina, who returned to success after eight days and broke the deadlock at the “Franco Scoglio” after four consecutive defeats. Good approach from the Giallorossi who, aware of the importance of the match, immediately try to push forward: in the 8th minute with Roseti who, following a cross from Oliviero, hits a weak shot and an easy save from Esposito; in the 16th minute a cross from Pedicone and a turn from Oliviero, deflected towards the back, while in the 19th minute the attempt from outside is from Garufi, but he shoots wide. The first half practically ends here, with the two teams most careful not to expose each other and never giving the feeling of being dangerous in the offensive phase.
In the second half Campanile tries twice in one minute: in the 51st minute he shoots wide, while in the 52nd minute he tries a diagonal shot that goes wide. A minute later Messina responds with a shot from Zucco, deflected for a corner, while in the 69th minute the goal that decides the match arrives: Toure for Tedesco, who puts it in the middle where Toure again manages to deflect the volley with his heel. 1-0 is fundamental for Messina, who manages the advantage against a Ragusa who throws themselves forward, but without really worrying Giardino. The Iblei are seen with a central right from Capone in the 76th minute and, in full injury time (96′), with a header from Callegari who, in the small area, sends it high.
Messina avoids the final prank, wins an important direct clash and, with the simultaneous home defeat of Sancataldese, catches up with the Nisseni and relaunches themselves in the race towards salvation.