In football nothing happens by chance. Especially at Russian roulette play-offs. Especially if you have the name of the city on your shirt Avellino. Nothing is taken for granted, except the suffering. And precisely the suffering, followed by joy, was there dominant sensation after the comeback win against Catania. A complicated, tense match, played on the edge of tension for 180 minutes. A double comparison, in the space of five days, which decreed the arrival of theAvellino to the Final Four despite having tied 2-2 in the total calculation.
As for the match, ready to go with Mr. Pazienza who confirmed the match popular will of a more proactive Avellino. Everyone on the attack with the 4-3-1-2 and the tandem Gori–Patierno before Sgarbi. A choice, that of an ultra-offensive formation that However, it did not live up to expectations. Despite an aggressive start, it was the guests who took the lead after just ten minutes, thanks to the usual Pietro Cianci. The former Bari player was quicker than Frascatore and good at beating Ghidotti from two steps with a turn like a true center forward.
Cold shower for Armellino and his teammates and the stadium in shock. The specter of a season already in its final stages materialized after just ten minutes. From step to step, anxiety and worry spread. Sensations that, however, were swept away from individual plays. In fact, not the usual Gori, Patierno or Sgarbi. The match was decided by two elements who had ended up in the eye of the storm in the last seven weeks. He thought about doing it one by one Daniele Liotti, good at finishing off Furlan with a curling shot to the far post. The roar of the Curva Sud pushes the wolves to bite the match.
The two-to-one goal instead bears the signature of Michele D’Ausilio – another element loudly called upon to do something more – good at finding the corner on the development of a counter-ball shot. Partenio in delirium and feat accomplished. But only for the moment. Because if it is true that Avellino won the first battle – securing the Final Four – now we will need to take a further step. In the double match against the Vicenza the wolves are called to write another page of history. One more vote in a double comparison (Tuesday 28 May at “Partenio-Lombardi” e Sunday 2 June at the “Romeo Menti”) in which, in the event of a draw, extra time will be played with possible penalties.
A double challenge in which a change of gear will be needed, along the lines of what was done at the end of the match. We will need to equip ourselves properly to continue the climb. The fans have clearly indicated the summit with the banner displayed in the Curva Sud. “There is no stopping except at the top” will still have to be the mantra of this dizzying Avellino. An Avellino who has all it takes to aspire to the top, but who will – necessarily – have to do something more. Now everyone is celebrating, but in three days the field will be talking again.
