Final result: Reggiana-Modena 1-0
REGGIANA
Bards 6 – Returning between the posts as a starter. A few shivers down the spine from Abiuso’s headbutts, but nothing more. And he takes the clean sheets.
Libutti 6 – Sometimes he crosses the midfield to place crosses from the back, all in all clean and tidy behind.
Rozzio 6.5 – Extraordinary for him on a wild Abiuso, sometimes he prefers not to discover his position and leave the contrasts to his teammates. But he commands the rearguard (and Pieragnolo) as leader in the Emilian derby.
Pajac 6 – Experience as a former Serie A player at the service of the team, even if Abiuso almost doesn’t outdo him in elevation. All in all tidy and attentive. From 75′ Szyminski sv – Extra energy to withstand the blow at the end.
Fiamozzi 6.5 – Another player in the second half. From the stunning shot to that tense cross into the area missed due to an inaccuracy by Pieragnolo. Sweat and determination until the final bell. Chapeau.
White 6.5 – Sumptuous. He sacrifices himself in retreat, then cleverly adjusts the tackles and wins duels and the ball. When he polishes the right he traces inviting corridors. From 87′ Varela sv
Kabashi 6 – Chiaroscuro. A long range shot and little else in the first half, then he rolls up his sleeves and cleans up a couple of heavy balls. From 84′ Cigarini sv
Pieragnolo 6.5 – Tall and aggressive, he lost the moment in that restart that could have affected Modena. Reprimanded by Rozzio for not falling into the emotional traps of a derby, what is devoured in the second half a few steps from the goal. He arrives running and in precarious balance to the shot which ends up high. He makes amends with that penalty-victory earned.
Melegoni 6.5 – Precious. He is always the one who draws poisonous crosses into the area and earns fouls in his favor. From 75′ Antiste sv – Some intelligent touches and extended times to put the advantage on ice.
Portanova 6 – It takes him a while to settle into the Emilian derby, he lacks the feeling with Gondo and the yellow-blue wall bounces him elsewhere. In the second half, however, he finds inspiration and the right shots, forcing Gagno to ward off serial dangers.
Gondo 7 – The goal was terribly missing, precisely for three months. He releases himself from the spot with the coldness of a serial killer, narrowly missing the brace.
Alessandro Nesta 7 – He had serious problems in terms of choices, but in the direct clash with Modena he found Gondo again and angrily took the victory which was worth a gratifying salvation for his season. And in a flash the playoff dream also lights up, only 2 points away judging by the rankings. You never know in football…
MODENA
Gagno 5.5 – He takes no risks until at the start of the second half Fiamozzi challenges him in the area. Good deflection and danger averted, but he doesn’t get the right angle from the penalty.
Magnino 6 – Once again deployed on the right, he does very well. How many balls were thrown away due to the concentration rate that never dropped. When Oukhadda enters he returns permanently to midfield and no demerits.
Zaro 6 – He sacrifices himself to block the attempts of Kabashi and Bianco, making Gagno’s task easier. A patch at the right time.
Pergreffi 5.5 – The intervention on the dialogue between Portanova and Gondo is providential, but that crime against Melegoni affects it.
Such 5 – Solidarity in the non-possession phase, little incisiveness from midfield upwards. From 67′ Bozhanaj 6 – He too, thrown into the final fray, when he has the right balls he frames the goal and doesn’t go too far. At least he tries.
Battistella 6 – Rottweiler of the median. Intelligent in collecting ball after ball after other people’s mistakes. Forced to leave the pitch at half-time for a silly yellow card shortly before losing his composure. From 46′ Oukhadda 4.5 – Ruinous. He doesn’t even hear Pieragnolo coming and is forced to bring him down, giving Reggiana the penalty.
Santoro 6 – Neither meat nor fish. Some breaks in the middle of the field, bordering on fouls.
Corrado 6 – Visibly at ease from centre-left, no demerits and yet he remains in the locker room at half-time. From 46′ Cauz 6 – He doesn’t pay attention to the pleasantries, braking to cover the spaces behind.
Palumbo 6 – More attacking midfielder than winger, certain filter players find the opposing defense exposed. He lacks the personal flair.
Gliozzi 5 – AWOL compared to his attacking partner. You can’t see it or hear it. From 67′ Strizzolo 6 – Extreme move to strengthen the offensive package.
Abiuso 5.5 – Immediately in the match, he has two clear chances to hurt Piacenza, but he doesn’t head properly. In the second half he deflates like a balloon. From 74′ Manconi 6 – He talks to his teammates, but doesn’t pinch his opponents.
Pierpaolo Bisoli 5 – “We took off a heavy backpack after Sudtirol,” the coach had admitted earlier today. But this defeat against Reggiana takes the form of a macroscopic slip. The lost Emilian derby hurts a lot, salvation should not be in question.
