Serie B 2013/14 Review – Week 41: Promotion race goes to the wire

Date: 26th May 2014 at 11:57am
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The race for second place will go to the final day of the season after Empoli were held to a 2-2 draw at Cittadella while Latina emerged victorious from their vital encounter with Cesena.

A win would have seen Empoli secure a first top flight campaign since their relegation in 2008, and it was a scenario that looked a near certainty for the majority of the first half. Ahead through Simone Verdi’s stunning left footed strike inside the 17th minute, Empoli’s lead was doubled soon after thanks to Francesco Tavano’s even more mesmeric effort from around 30 yards out.

Momentum swung in Cittadella’s favour meanwhile five minutes before the break, with Elseid Hysaj’s dismissal being followed up by a successful spot-kick from Claudio Coralli, and a remarkable turnaround was completed when Milan Djuric headed home a 43rd minute equaliser.

Empoli - BresciaIn a breathless first half, there was still time for Djuric to pick up his marching orders following the concession of a penalty, with Massimo Maccarone subsequently seeing his effort spurned by Cittadella keeper Raffaele Di Gennaro.

The game’s second act failed to live up to its remarkable first, with Empoli’s Manuel Pucciarelli coming closest to finding a winner with a long range effort that whistled inches wide of the post.

Few could begrudge Cittadella a point which puts them on the brink of securing a remarkable escape from relegation, but Empoli will need to shake off the disappointment of this result fast if they are to secure a promotion that has been within their hands for the vast majority of the campaign.

Imperious at home, the Tuscan side should feel confident of victory as they host a Pescara side with nothing to play for on the final day, but any slip-up could be capitalised upon by Latina.

In what was effectively a play-off for the right to challenge for second place on the final day, a Marco Crimi effort in first half injury time and a second half double from Karim Laribi settled matters in Latina’s favour. Emmanuel Cascione added a consolation for Cesena in the 92nd minute, but they will now have to ready themselves for the play-offs.

Modena also secured their play-off berth with a 2-2 draw at Pescara that came courtesy of a last gasp equaliser from Andrea Mazzarani, but no fewer than six sides will contest for the final three play-off places on what is sure to be a remarkable last day of the season.

Crotone look likeliest to secure one of those places following a 2-1 win over Trapani that ended the Sicilian side’s hopes of securing back to back promotions. An Alessandro Rosina double meanwhile saw Siena move back in to the play-off places with a 2-0 victory over Padova that ultimately sealed their opponent’s inevitable relegation to Lega Pro.

Spezia meanwhile are the last remaining side whose destiny is in their own hands following a vital 2-0 win over closest challengers Bari. Hoping to sneak in on the last day however will be Virtus Lanciano, who salvaged a late 2-2 draw at Carpi, and Avellino, who brushed aside already relegated Reggina 3-0.

Elsewhere, Palermo beat Ternana 2-1 and Brescia ran riot against bottom side Juve Stabia with a 4-1 win, but the only other matter to be decided on the final day will be the identity of the two sides that will contest the relegation play-off.

Novara and Varese currently occupy those two spots, and played out a goalless draw at the weekend in a match that could prove to be a play-off dress rehearsal. Both have 44 points, with Cittadella on 46 the only other side that could still be dragged into danger.

All three face difficult looking fixtures against sides still chasing a play-off place, and a nervy last weekend is a certainty.

 

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