10 years have passed since Cesena’s last promotion to Serie A. In the meantime, five presidents have changed in Cesena and as many prime ministers in Italy. A president went bankrupt, another was arrested… It was June 18, 2014 when Pierpaolo Bisoli’s team defeated Latina in the play-off final.
The furthest promotion
Compared to other climbs towards the top flight, it was probably the least attended because it was the one that had arrived less long ago than the previous one (4 years from 2010) and also fewer seasons away from Serie A (two). Furthermore – in the history of Cavalluccio – it remains the promotion achieved most geographically distant from Cesena, consequently discouraging the following of fans. The ultras themselves were absent in protest against the restrictive travel rules. The victory in the first leg at Manuzzi with just one goal (2-1) had further dampened the enthusiasm. Of the 1500 tickets made available for the Francioni guest sector, 500 remain unsold. Many will prefer to meet at the Savelli Gardens in front of the big screen for live TV. However, there is great enthusiasm in Latina where a historic promotion is anticipated: “Only those who attempt the absurd will achieve the impossible”, we read in the home corner.
Giorgia and Mimmo in the stands
A young parliamentarian also came from Rome to the grandstand of the old former “Littorio” stadium, by virtue of the friendship that binds her to Pasquale Maietta, a party colleague and also a member of the chamber, as well as president of Latina Calcio (he will end up arrested, but that’s another story). Giorgia Meloni is cheering for the Lazio team. But there is also a novice coach, fresh from his dismissal on the Ternana bench, Mimmo Toscano. A violent storm and flooded streets precede the start of the match which after a few minutes also sees Cesena go under water, passed by Bruno who overtakes Coser. The 1-0 virtually rewards Latina who is starting to dream of Serie A. In the second half however Defrel, inspired by a Marilungo in a state of grace, equalizes and puts Cesena back on top in the 180 minutes overall. Coser, injured, had to make way for Agliardi, shortly afterwards he was pardoned by Jonathas who missed a goal into an empty net (Cesena’s interest in the Brazilian in the following summer transfer market would fuel some conspiracy…).
Party at dawn and the wrong page for Latina in A
Bisoli’s team defended the result until injury time, when the usually irrepressible Marilungo was brought down in the area by Laribi (a future Juventus player like Crimi and Tozzo on the bench together with the former Ghezzal). From the spot Cascione seals the victory and the Serie A. On the way back to the Orte exit the Juventus ultras, who were not present, wait for the team bus to celebrate together. There is also celebration at the first light of dawn at the Manuzzi when the Bianconeri arrive. Meanwhile, some local newspapers appear on newsstands in Lazio with a pre-packaged page from the team’s sponsor congratulating them on… Latina’s promotion to Serie A.
