The Cibali-Massimino derby took place in front of almost 20 thousand paying spectators goes to Catania who beat Messina 1-0 at the end of an exciting and no-holds-barred race. The penalty scored by Di Carmine was decisive halfway through the first half, maximum free kick was strongly contested by the Peloritani. Messina was superior in the second half but despite some good opportunities they were unable to make an impact in the Etna area.
The Modica coach opts for the 4-2-3-1 but Emmausso starts from the bench, in his place behind Plescia the choice falls on Zunno. In defense Lia preferred on the right outside to Salvo. Messina started well with their elegant phrasing and Catania struggled to get going. In the 10th minute, however, Di Carmine turns well in the area but Fumagalli blocks the central shot. Two minutes later the same goalkeeper defused a dangerous free kick from Cicerelli. The Etna players push and in the 23rd minute the referee Delrio sees a handball in the area by Dumbravanu and awards the penalty to Catania. The images do not clarify the episode and the doubt remains whether the penalty is more than generous. From the spot Di Carmine displaces Fumagalli. Catania still has a chance with Cianci whose header misses the target. Messina regroups and in the 37th minute has a sensational double chance to equalize but the Etna team saves the Giallorossi's conclusions twice on the line. In recovery Plescia turns weakly and Furlan blocks without problems.
In the second half the Messina coach brought on Emmausso for Plescia and the Giallorossi changed gear even if the first opportunity went to Cianci who headed the post from Castellini's cross. After the quarter of an hour Messina was in danger first with Emmausso and two minutes later with Ragusa who finished just over. In the 24th minute Rosafio kicks a free kick out of bounds and in the 33rd minute Emmausso comes close to equalizing with a shot that ends not far from Furlan's posts. Modica finds resources from the bench by throwing Salvo, Civilleri, Giunta and Signorile into the fray. In the 40th minute Ragusa maneuvers into the area but Catana averts the threat. In the six minutes allowed for injury time, Messina is dangerous twice, again with Signorile, in particular the last ball in the closing credits ends just wide. For what they did in the second half, Messina would undoubtedly have deserved the draw but Cibali still remains taboo. Next Sunday Messina awaits the home match against Potenza, a match which could also mark their arithmetic stay in the C tournament.
