The Serie B calendar wrapped up an eventful 22nd week with league leaders Carpi losing 2-1 at home to Livorno and Bologna securing second place by downing Perugia 2-1.
Carpi cruised to a nine point cushion atop Serie B thanks to a run of 13 straight matches without a defeat and hadn’t failed to pick up points at the Stadio Sandro Cabassi since May prior to Sunday night’s defeat.
The visitors earned their three points through a stunning display and controlled most of the match until they were reduced to 10 men in the last quarter hour. The Amaranti started on the front foot when Enej Jelenic’s volley from a whipped in cross sailed just off target in the opening minutes.
Livorno’s Daniele Vantaggiato increased the pressure with a 25-yard drive which bounced perilously in front of Gabriel, who could only parry the shot away and the rebound was put out for a corner.
The Biancorossi wouldn’t be so lucky on the ensuing corner when captain Andrea Luci stormed into the box and drilled his header at Gabriel. The touch was too forceful for the Brazilian keeper to secure and Luci did not miss the rebound to put the Amaranti up inside 20 minutes.
Carpi barely troubled Luca Mazzoni’s goal in the first half save for a Jerry Mbakogu pile driver too central to force Mazzoni into any real danger.
The second half signaled more dominance from Livorno and they were rewarded inside the first 10 minutes when Vantaggiato’s free kick stunner from 25 yards was curled around the wall and into the upper corner to grant Livorno a deserved 2-0 lead.
Carmine Gauteri’s men had the match well in hand until Federico Ceccherini’s needless two-footed challenge on Gaetano Letizia earned himself an early shower and provided Carpi a spark to push on.
The Biancorossi immediately exerted their influence but luck was not on their side as Mbakogu hit a post, Roberto Inglese’s volley caromed off the crossbar and Aljaz Struna’s header hit the post within 10 minutes of the sending off. Ultimately, Antonio Di Gaudio’s late goal proved little consolation in what was a thrilling Sunday night at the Cabassi.
Bologna rose above a crowded top half of the table and reduced the gap on Carpi to six points in front of new owner Joey Saputo making his first appearance at the Stadio Dall’Ara.
Franco Zuculini’s floated cross split a pair of Perugia defenders and Daniele Cacia nodded home his 100th Serie B goal to put the Rossoblu ahead before the stroke of half time.
Substitute Gianluca Sansone’s 28-yard free kick through the Perugia wall sealed the victory for the hosts. Rodrigo Taddei’s stunning strike moments later was mere consolation dooming the Grifoni to a mid table place squarely between relegation and a playoff spot.
