Despite a dominant performance for much of the game, Ilvamaddalena was unable to secure a victory, missing several clear chances. The home team did manage to equalize through De Cenco in the second half, canceling out Locchi‘s early goal. This result, however, means Ilvamaddalena heads into the second leg with the tie still very much alive.
Pietralunghese took the lead early in the match. In the 7th minute, Locchi cut inside from the left and scored with precision past Ruzittu. This early setback put the home side on the back foot from the outset.
Ilvamaddalena responded immediately with sustained pressure, primarily utilizing the right flank with Casazza, who was active throughout the match. The team earned numerous corners, but the away defense held firm, consistently clearing the danger.
In the 25th minute, Lima attempted a powerful shot from distance, which was deflected for a corner. Later, at the 38th minute, De Cenco met a cross from Lima with a header, but it went just over the crossbar. The home team’s number 9 was a constant threat, but Abibi and the Pietralunghese defense managed to hold on until halftime.
The second half began with similar intensity, Ilvamaddalena pushing forward and Pietralunghese defending resolutely. In the 47th minute, Bert played a through ball to Piassi, but Abibi came out to claim the ball. Piassi created another dangerous situation in the 53rd minute, getting past defenders and reaching the goalkeeper’s area, but he overran the ball, and the opportunity was lost.
At the 55th minute, De Cenco headed a cross from Casazza towards the goal, but Abibi made a reflex save. Almost simultaneously, Esposito missed a clear chance from close range on the other end, with Ruzittu making a good save.
The equalizer arrived in the 58th minute, a deserved goal for Ilvamaddalena. Piassi made a good run on the left, passed centrally to the striker, and De Cenco headed the ball into the net. The Zichina Stadium erupted.
After the equalizer, the game became more open. Ilvamaddalena continued to press, with Russo heading a corner from Casazza just wide in the 63rd minute. In the 76th minute, Lima, shortly before being substituted, tried a well-placed shot from 30 meters that narrowly missed the top corner.
Pietralunghese responded with the lively Piccioli, who shot with his left foot towards the far post in the 75th minute but mishit the ball. In the final moments, a late drama unfolded: in the 90th minute, substitute Bruzzesi appeared to score from inside the box, but the assistant referee raised his flag for offside. Five minutes of added time did not change the score, and the final whistle confirmed the 1-1 draw.
The match was played in a remarkable atmosphere, with the Zichina Stadium packed with fans and Ilvamaddalena flags, creating a festive mood. The sportsmanship between the two sets of supporters was also noteworthy. Before the match, Ilvamaddalena fans welcomed their counterparts from Umbria with a scarf exchange and offered traditional Sardinian products to the away section. This gesture added a genuine touch to the occasion, beyond the result on the field. The promotion decider now moves to the return leg in Umbria next Sunday.
Ilvamaddalena – Pietralunghese 1-1
Ilvamaddalena: Ruzittu, Tessaro (36′ st Galvani), Vitelli, Lima (23′ st Attili), Bert (7′ st Animobono), Russo, M. Esposito, Casazza, Vrdoljak, De Cenco, Piassi (25′ st Alvarez). Substitutes: Verardi, Achab, Zaharia, Pintus, Attili, Reale. Coach: Favarin.
Pietralunghese: Abibi, Naticchi, Simoncini (20′ st Met Hasani), Bocci, Giambi (28′ st Gatti), Tersini, Esposito, Locchi, Cori (13′ st Rossi), Piccioli (38′ st Bruzzesi), Pauselli. Substitutes: Casciani, Bruzzesi, Martinelli, Nicoli, Cecilioni, Nuti. Coach: Pierotti.
Referee: Gjini of Vicenza (Sperati of Nichelino and Mariut of Asti).
Goals: 6’ pt Locchi, 12’ st De Cenco
Notes: Approximately 1000 spectators, including about a hundred from Pietralunga. Yellow cards: Lima (I), Abibi, Naticchi, Met Hasani (P). Stoppage time: 1st half 2’; 2nd half 5′.
