Niscemi Messina 0-1
Scorers: 27′ Sarao (rig)
Niscemi: Florulli, Brancato (41′ st Stradella), Maydana, Valenca, Intzidis, Della Guardia (26′ st Dalla Valle), Bojang (26′ st Hardes), Currò (19′ st Idoyaga), Flavio, Ebanilson, Vincenzi (8′ st Pace). On the bench: Di Franco, Sorce, Veltri Barraco, Dalla Valle, Kieling. All. Newfoundland.
Messina: Coco; Passiatore, Blondett, Sbuttoni, Pellegrino; Tanasa, Langone (19′ st Zampa); Kragl (36′ st Doni), Bonanno (31′ st Bollino), La Spada (19′ st Sartore); Sarao. On the bench. Calabrese, Bontà, Palumbo, Varela, Giunta. All. Torrisi.
Referee: Mattia Buzzelli from Avezzano
Notes: Booked: Della Guardia (N), Vincenzi (N), Tanasa (M), Valenca (N), Intzidis (N). Sent off: 44′ st Valenca (N). Corner: 4-7 – Added time: 2′ and 5′
Test of strength from Messina, who go on to take the three points on the pitch of a Niscemi team who, according to the current ranking, are the leaders. The 1-0 success, however, confirms that the Giallorossi, on points, are certainly top of the class.
The attitude of a strong and compact team for Messina, which pressed immediately, but the Nisseni held up well: apart from an attempt by Pellegrino, there were few opportunities in the first part of the match, but the Peloritani took the lead in the 27th minute. From Kragl’s corner, Della Guardia holds Blondett and it is a penalty that Sarao converts to make it 0-1. The advantage favors Messina, who is once again dangerous with Langone, whose shot is blocked, while Niscemi is seen with a diagonal shot from Currò, which goes just wide.
In the second half the Giallorossi managed well, risking little or nothing (Dos Santos’ high header) and came close to doubling their lead with a free kick from Bonanno, lifted into a corner by Florulli. The goal would also arrive in the 69th minute with Sarao, but he scores offside, while the solid defense of the guests thwarts every attempt by the Nisseni, who close with ten men for the double yellow in Valenca and only in injury time do they see themselves again in Coco’s area with the usual Dos Santos, but without any effects.
After 5 minutes of added time, the final whistle confirms Messina’s important away victory which, despite being last, rises to 3 points and closes both on the safety zone and also on first place, now occupied by Acireale and Niscemi at 19.