PADUA. At the Euganeo Triestina should have won or at least drawn to reach the best fourth place. They should have been more hungry and motivated and instead the Union surrendered to Padova, already comfortable and untouchable second in the group. This last goal also fades away at the end of a vibrant derby which Triestina, despite having had the lead, did not play to win. The attitude of the players was constructive but Bordin chose to spare almost all the players who were within a ban and above all to attack with a point and a half with D’Urso on the bench (Lescano only in the final). So, despite the good performance, the pressure on a very solid Padova was relative and the final 3-2 was all there was to it. Now it’s time for the play-offs. Hopefully we will witness more music
THE CHOICES
Bordin is not so subtle. He gives up five of those who have been warned (in reality Malomo is injured among them) and puts together an anomalous starting line-up. In addition to Matosevic’s return between the posts, the three-man defense can count on Rizzo in the centre, Ciofani on the right and Anzolin on the left. Orthodox midfield (without Correia on a warning) with Fofana as the pivot, Vallocchia and Celeghin as midfielders with Germano and Pavlev as sliders. The attack is light with Minesso and Vertainen.
On the other front, Oddo also spares those in danger of disqualification but deploys a 4-3-3 with an absolutely valuable front line made up of Bortolussi, Capelli and Palombi.
DEPARTURE
Syncopated rhythms at the start but Padova still had the first opportunity with a diagonal shot from Bortolussi that grazed the post to the right of Matosevic. The Union is arranged with order but entrusts the offensive phase to launches for Vertainen and Minesso who are in difficulty as they are isolated among the biancoscudati. And so it was the hosts who showed up in Matosevic’s area with greater incisiveness (Palombi’s backheel went out not by much in the 20th minute and Bianchi’s header 2′ later).
THE ADVANTAGE
It’s normal for Padova to score the lead. On yet another corner there was confusion in the halberd rearguard and Bortolussi’s head popped up to beat Matosevic from two steps (24′).
Triestina shakes off its torpor and for the first time sinks to the right with Germano but Minesso is anticipated at the last minute by the Venetian defense. After half an hour there is the first hint of an offensive action. Bordin’s men at least outline a reaction that develops mainly on the right. The end of the half shows a growth in play, albeit a sterile one for the halberds.
THE INVENTION
An explosion is needed and Minesso is very good at stealing the ball from an uncertain Bianchi and serving Vertainen with precision. Swerve from the Finn and perfect right foot under the crossbar almost at the crossroads to Zanellati’s left. Equally a goal of truly excellent workmanship even if Padova, more enterprising, had something to complain about the result. However, Triestina is alive.
And the Union starts again with a lively Vertainen in great form, capable of a pirouette and conclusion outside the Paduan penalty area. Yet Bordin replaces Vertainen with Redan. A surprising move to say the least.
QUICK AND RESPONSE
But the substitution proves the coach right. Because Celeghin’s shot from outside was repelled by the defense and the Dutch scored the 2-1.
Oddo also moves, injecting energy into the team with the additions of Tordini, Dezi and Varas. And Pdova immediately puts things back in order: corner from the right by Dezi and an uncatchable header by Faedo.
OPEN RACE
The home team regained strength after a very confusing start to the second half in terms of character and imprecise in technical development. The Union does not retreat and the challenge becomes open and pleasant. Minesso comes out for Jonsson and Gunduz comes in for Celeghin. And so only Redan remains in front.
BITTER FINISH
And the Paduan thrust arrives on time. The Union finds itself on the left and Dezi’s diagonal is deadly. At 3-2 Lescano finally comes on for Fofana. Too late. To recover and above all to make a move into the play-off grid.
