It’s impossible not to turn back time toMay 8, 2011 when you think of a Lecce-Napoli. The Chevanton volleythe carambola sui woods that touches the field and comes back, De Sanctis who grabs the ball and plays pretending nothing is happening, the linesman who initially stays silent while Via del Mare screams, Valeri which blocks everything and, with the left arm extended towards midfieldblows up the 1s once again8000 under the sun. A series of images to be relived in one breath, with your eyes closed, to fully enjoy their emotions. Who forgets. Lecce-Napoli 2-1.
A lot has been said about that championship in 2010/2011, too much, and unfortunately off the pitch and after the victory in the Bari derby on 15 May, but that is another chapter in history. The Curva Nord, on the occasion of Lecce-Lazio 2-4, the last match of that tournament, displayed a banner alluding to the 0-2 at home of the hated cousins: “05/15/11: Just a Perfect Day”. Looking back, we can’t disagree. But even May 8th was no exception: joys on the pitch and a few hours later in front of the TV.
THE MATCH. The heavy ones goals at stake, salvation for Lecce and Champions League for Napoli, block the offensive ideas of a first half with few emotions, but with the Salento players aggressive. Munari and Corvia inaugurate the scoreboard with imprecise shots and so on until the protests at the end for a touch of Cannavaro on Munari’s direct shot on goal.
The second half opens with the penalty, this time awarded, converted by Corvia with a perfect shot at the top corner. The Roman attacker, however, will leave Lecce with ten men double yellow. In superiority, Napoli dominates and comes close to making a comeback in just a few minutes: Mascara equals and an opportunity wasted by Cavani, who re-establishes numerical parity with a quarter of an hour to go. De Canio knows that, at the same time, Catania and Cesena win against Brescia and Cagliari and risks the final offensive with Chevanton on the pitch in place of Munari.
What will happen in the 89th minute is epic to be passed down from father to son. We have already described it, but it’s worth reliving. Launch from the rear of Giuliattoheel of By Michele for Cheva who, from the edge of the area, unloads a first-time shot which hits the crossbar and bounces beyond the white line. The linesman lets it go but Valeri takes responsibility for a right decision, which triggers a strangled scream.
AND GENOA. A few hours after the Genoa match Mauro Boselliman of the match in the famous Genoa-Sampdoria 2-1, will then complete a framed picture, on the pitch, seven days later in Bari. At Marassi someone is still singing “Ding don, ding don, I’m speaking here from Lecce, Chevanton scored” to make fun of the Dorians. Very young fans, read this story. All this was born on May 8, 2011.
The scoreboard
05/08/2011, 3.00 pm – Lecce, Via del Mare stadium – 36th day of the 2010/2011 Serie A Championship
Lecce: Rosati, Tomovic, Gustavo, Fabiano, Mesbah, Olivera, Vives (70’Giuliatto), Giacomazzi, Munari (80’Chevanton), Corvia, Di Michele (91’Coppola). Coach De Canio
Naples: De Sanctis, Campagnaro, P.Cannavaro, Aronica, Maggio, Gargano, Yebda (60’Mascara), Dossena (59’Zuniga), Hamsik (85’Pazienza), Lavezzi, Cavani. Coach Mazzarri
Markers 49’rig.Corvia (L), 67’Mascara (N), 89’Chevanton (L)
Expelled 54’Corvia (L), 74’Cavani (N), both with double yellow cards
Warned Giacomazzi, Chevanton (L), P.Cannavaro, Mascara, Maggio (N)
Referee Valeri of Rome 2
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