The narrow victory achieved against Aurora Alto Casertano from Campania in the first leg of the Semi-final of the National Play-offs allows Modica Calcio to look forward to the return match on 9 June with optimism. Palmisano’s goal at the start of the second half from a Palermo cross was a release for the Tigrotti who were stopped by the crossbar on two occasions, first with Savasta and then with Strano. The performance offered by the rossoblù confirms the positive moment that the team has been going through for two months now. After the match in Venafro, Mister Settineri praised the entire group, who took to the pitch focused and excited. “We gave a sumptuous performance – declares the coach from Acea – I am very proud of these boys for their determination and perseverance. We have found an opponent who has game ideas and knows how to implement them, so the victory has more value. We deserved to win, but now we have to recover and prepare for next Sunday.”
The only flaw in an almost perfect performance was the lack of concreteness in front of goal with the bad luck that accompanied the Modicans on various occasions. An aspect that demoralizes the coach but at the same time energizes him in view of the return. “There is a lot of regret for the woodwork we hit because we could have abandoned the qualification, but now we will have an extra incentive to demonstrate who we are in front of our fans”. Finally, Settineri mentions the entire environment surrounding Modica Calcio, from the club to the organized support present even at away games to cheer on the rossoblù from start to finish. “I thank the fans for coming here in large numbers, not all clubs can include a group organized like this. We must enjoy the results because everyone deserves it, from the club to the boys and all the staff.”
AURORA ALTO CASERTANO – MODICA CALCIO 0-1
Scorer: 50′ Palmisano
AURORA ALTO CASERTANO: Mazzarella, Bottiglieri, Mema, Puolo, Mancino (74′ Giaquinto), De Lucia (87′ Gargiulo), Pisani (76′ De Carlo), Pettrone (71′ Balsamo), Haifiane, Ciccarelli, D’Ovidio. Available: Esposito, , Orefice, Parisi. Coach: Antonio Cuccaro.
MODICA FOOTBALL: Marino, Parisi, Ballatore, Strano (91′Ababei), Trovato, Diop, Azzara (89′ Vindigni), Palmisano, Cacciola, Palermo (79′ Alfieri), Savasta (73′ st Famà). Available: Trovato, Yu Suwa, Biondi, Prezzabile, Agodirin. Coach: Alessandro Settineri.
Referee: Roberto Rago (Moliterno Section)
Referee Assistants: Francesco Foglietta (Foligno Section), Savino Sciotti (Bologna Section)
Victory of fundamental importance for Modica Calcio who, thanks to a goal scored at the start of the second half, defeated Aurora Alto Casertano from Campania 1-0 in Venafro in the match valid as the first leg semi-final of the National Play-offs of Excellence. In the first half the rossoblù (today in white kit and red socks) started off strong and challenged the red and white rearguard in some circumstances. The Eagles coached by Cuccaro, having overcome the initial difficulties, try to crush the rossoblù in their own half but Diop & co. they defend themselves in an orderly manner. In the 39th minute Savasta could break the deadlock with Cacciola’s cross, but the trajectory of his header is wide. A noteworthy opportunity for the red and whites was created by Pisani from a set piece that Marino controlled. The first half ends goalless.
In the second half in the 50th minute the Tigrotti took the lead. Cross in the middle by Palermo for the winning gore by Palmisano who beats the home goalkeeper Mazzarella. The goal galvanizes the guests who are looking to double their lead to secure qualification with 90′ to spare. In the 53rd minute Strano opens for Cacciola, who passes it into the Campania area for Savasta’s header which hits the crossbar. The Eagles have a jolt in the 65th minute with Ciccarelli hitting the upright from a free kick. In the 72nd minute the curse of the woodwork continues at Modica this time with Strano who from the edge lets off a precise shot to the far post which Mazzarella can only watch crash onto the crossbar again. In the remaining minutes of the game the rossoblù did not grant any opportunities to the Alto Casertano forced to raise the white flag. After 6′ of injury time, Mr. Rago of the Moliterno Section decrees the end of the hostilities with the Settineri boys who go to celebrate under the segment of the curve reserved for the fans who have come to Venafro to support the Tigrotti.
Next weekend at the Barone we will have to defend our one-goal lead. In the other match which closely concerns the two challengers, Pompei by virtue of the away goal rule (1st leg in Campania 0-0) eliminates Pro Favara and secures the pass to the Final. The 1-1 for Bruccoleri bears the signatures of Malafronte (in the 47th minute) for the Campania team and Retucci for the Agrigento team (in the 56th minute).
