It is the most important match of the season so far for Ferrara Basket 2018, which in case of victory today (6pm) in Fidenza would earn a place in the final for promotion to Serie B. After the clear success in game 2, which gave trust in the environment after the mockery of the first act at the Pala Pratizzoli, a massive exodus of fans from the city of Este is expected, ready to support in the stands a team that has shown continuous growth in recent months. Having reached this point, given the potential of the squad, it would really be a shame to end the season prematurely: this is why all the people of Ferrara believe in it, and expect the coup in the away match which would mean reaching the final against Bergamo. Thursday evening’s match at the Bondi Arena showcased the entire arsenal of Benedetto’s team, who were good at shaking off the tension at the start of the match and controlling easily throughout the entire forty minutes, with a lead consistently above double figures.
The balance seen in game 1 was soon broken in game 2, demonstrating a Ferrara in form capable of overcoming Fidenza in every aspect of the game. Now the biancazzurri will have to replicate the good things done at home even away from the Bondi Arena, aware that they are stronger and have a large portion of fans on their side: coach Benedetto and manager Pulidori underlined on the eve of the hope of having a metro uniform refereeing, which does not protect Valdo too much compared to the other players. Much, if not everything, will be decided on the details, because it seems unlikely to witness such a poorly contested match with success in game 2: it will be a different, less submissive Fidenza, which at home – especially in the final stages of the match – has almost always found energy further scraping the bottom of the barrel.
On the other hand, concentration, clarity and strong nerves will be needed to take home a good share of B1: in the event of reaching the final, in fact, Ferrara would have the home advantage in the series with Bergamo, and consequently also in the further play-off in case of defeat in the series against the Lombards, against one between Saronno and Cecina. Premature speeches, but which could become much more concrete in the event of success today in Fidenza: all of Ferrara is rallying around its team for an objective that only a few months ago seemed to have faded away.
Jacopo Cavallini
