Gelbison – Messina 0-1
Scorer: 3′ st Saverino
Gelbison (4-3-3): Sakho 6.5; Langella 5.5 (48′ st Brusdeilins sv), Viscomi 6, Zugaro 6 (22′ st Tilli 5.5), Donida 5.5 (6′ st Rossi 5); Teijo 6, De Feo 5.5 (26′ st Diabate 5.5), Semeraro 6; Liurni 6, Leo 6 (6′ st Delmiglio 5.5), Russo 6. All. Agovino 5.5
Messina (3-5-2): Sorrentino 6; Clemente 5.5 (34′ pt Bosia 6), Trasciani 6.5, De Caro 6; Maisano 6, Saverino 7.5 (36′ st Tesija sv), Garufi 6.5, Aprile 6 (44′ st Bombaci sv), Orlando 6; Roseti 6 (38′ st Fravola sv), Touré 7 (50′ st Azzara sv). All. Romano 7
Referee: Santeramo di Monza 5.5
– : approximately 300 spectators. Booked: Orlando (M), Viscomi (G), Aprile (M), Langella (G), Diabate (G). Corners: 7-3. Recovery time: 1′ st, 6′ st.
CASTELNUOVO CILENTO A goal from Saverino gives three precious points to Messina, who conquer the Gelbison pitch with cynicism: the Giallorossi don’t dominate in terms of scoring opportunities, but it doesn’t take much to bring home the full result, which relaunches Messina’s ambitions.
In the first half the two teams are unable to produce play, so much so that emotions are lacking: the only real scoring opportunity falls at the feet of Toure in the 27th minute. The number 28 accepts an invitation from Saverino and flies towards the home team’s goal, being hypnotized by Sakho on his way out. This is the only thrill.
The second half is much more lively, so much so that already in the 1st minute Russo tries from the edge, but shoots high. The Sicilians’ response came two minutes later with Saverino scoring the goal that decided the match: Tourè flew to the right and served an inviting ball to his teammate, who managed to beat the opposing goalkeeper also using the help of the inside post, to score his third goal of the season.
Gelbison’s reaction was slow in arriving, with Messina trying to put the game to sleep to manage the narrow advantage. It was the Peloritani who were once again dangerous, coming close to doubling their lead in the 22nd minute with Tourè stealing the ball from the opposing defence, but his right-footed shot only gave the illusion of a goal, passing by the Campania goal post. In the 27th minute, substitute Rossi did it all on his own and tried to worry Sorrentino with a curling shot, but the ball went just wide. Messina could double their lead in the 36th minute with Aprile, served by a precise assist from Tourè, who from a good position shoots centrally and weakly enough to favor the home goalkeeper’s catch. It’s the last real chance.
Messina has 6 points, 3 from Paternò and 4 from Ragusa.
A hard-earned victory, but worth three points and brings Messina coached by Romano closer to their goal of salvation. The coach, in the press room at the end of the match, did not indulge in flights of fancy but preferred to continue to fly low, confirming that the only real objective of the season is permanence, “because if we managed to achieve it it would be worth much more than winning a championship”.
Romano was keen to underline that his team’s path is equivalent to that of the teams that occupy the top positions in the standings given that without penalization the Giallorossi would have 20 points: «It was a very difficult match but I think we interpreted it well. A deserved victory, congratulations to the boys because it wasn’t easy given the penalty. Our progress, however, is excellent, today we put together a perfect performance.”
Then Romano added, replying to those who underlined that in recent weeks we had seen a less explosive Messina: «We are behind the other teams because we haven’t done any kind of preparation. The boys make up for it with attachment to the shirt, working and the results are rewarding them.”
Focusing on the individuals, he mentioned Saverino and Touré: «They are two important players who give us something extra when they are in shape, but I also praise the whole team. We didn’t risk anything at the back and we could still have done badly on the restart. Whoever came on from the bench spared no energy and was focused.” Then the final comment: «Objectives? Messina must reach safety by trying to get out of the playout zone. We have to work and fight.”