In the Playoff semi final matches in Serie B it was Bologna and Pescara who came away victorious on Tuesday night.
In the early match Bologna lost 3-2 to Avellino but progressed to the final because of their superior finish in the Serie B table after a level aggregate score. In the evening match, Pescara drew 2-2 with Vicenza to win 3-2 overall.
At the Stadio Renato Dell’Ara there was a great game for the neutral with Avellino winning 3-2. The Lupi scored in the opening minutes of the game when Antonio Zito raced down the wing and put a ball into the box which was knocked in by Marcelo Trotta from close range.
It didn’t take the Rossoblu much time to get back on level terms though. A nicely weighted through ball was played to Robert Acquafresca who hit the ball across goal and past Pierluigi Frattali.
The visitors went back in front on the stroke of half-time and it was Trotta again. Paolo Regoli put in a cross from the left and Trotta was there first to turn and powerfully drive the ball into the bottom corner.
Five minutes into the second half, Bologna were level again. A horrible error from Frattali gave the ball to Daniele Cacia who scored with a precise and elegant lob into the empty net from outside the box.
Avellino made it a nervy finale for Bologna though as they went back in front with five minutes remaining. Moussa Kone struck the ball from long range on the volley which flew into the top corner.
Despite Avellino’s valiant efforts they failed to reach the final due to their opponents higher finish in the table and will be playing in Serie B next season.
The evening match proved to be just as entertaining and goal-filled as the preceding one.
The Delfini took the lead in the opening four minutes and it was an own goal by Mario Samprisi. A low cross from Francesco Zampano on the right was turned into his own net by the defender.
The hosts equalised on the stroke of half-time through Federico Moretti. The midfielder went on a powerful run through the defence and then fired the ball home.
Midway through the second half, Pescara regained the lead thanks to Birkir Bjarnason. The Icelandic international was free at the back post to head in Matteo Politano’s cross.
With ten minutes remaining the Biancorossi were once again on level terms and it was there prolific goalscorer Andrea Cocco. Davide Di Gennaro did a nice fake shot before laying the ball to Cocco who slipped the ball in.
Vicenza couldn’t grab another goal though and there was a share of the spoils. This meant that Pescara are to play Bologna in the playoff final for a place in next season’s Serie A campaign.
