Primavera

A historic feat by Cesena FC Primavera, who defeated FC Internazionale Primavera 2-1 at the Orogel Stadium - Dino Manuzzi to secure a spot in the semifinals of the Primavera 1 Championship thanks to goals from Tosku and Poletti.

The match got off to a rather sluggish start at the Manuzzi, with both teams focused primarily on controlling possession and maintaining their respective defensive structures. As the minutes passed, the Nerazzurri ramped up the pressure, winning back several balls in the Bianconeri’s half and creating the first dangerous chance in the 7th minute through Cerpelletti, whose shot was easily blocked by Fontana.

The visiting team grew into the game and took the lead in the 24th minute: a free kick from the left by El Mahboubi and a winning header by Kukulis, who beat Fontana. Inter nearly doubled their lead a few minutes later, but the Bianconeri goalkeeper made a superb save on Cerpelletti, keeping the Cavalluccio in the game during the most difficult moment of the first half.

Coach Campedelli’s boys reacted with character and, in the 33rd minute, earned a penalty thanks to a great run by Wade. From the spot, Tosku kept his cool and made it 1-1 in the 34th minute, restoring parity before halftime.

In the second half, Inter started with greater aggression, upping the tempo and persistently looking for spaces in the Bianconeri’s half. The Nerazzurri tried their luck first with Zanchetta from distance and then with Mancuso heading a cross from El Mahboubi, but without finding the target. The Cavalluccio, however, held firm with organization and compactness, managing to limit the visitors’ chances.

In the 68th minute, a scare for Coach Campedelli’s boys, with Marello hitting the crossbar directly from a free kick. The Bianconeri remained composed, however, and in the 74th minute, Poletti saved the day with a decisive tackle on Zouin.

The key moment came in the 80th minute when Poletti surprised everyone by scoring directly from a corner kick, netting a splendid overhead kick that gave Cesena the lead. Shortly after, Inter were reduced to ten men following the sending-off of Taho. In the lengthy stoppage time, the Bianconeri held firm, and at the final whistle, they celebrated a historic qualification for the playoff semifinals alongside the more than 1,500 Bianconeri fans present at the Manuzzi.

For Coach Campedelli’s boys, there’s no time to catch their breath, as the semifinal against Parma Calcio is scheduled for Monday, May 25, at 8:30 PM at the “Rocco B. Commisso Viola Park” Sports Center.

Cesena FC – FC Internazionale 2-1

Goals: 24’ Kukulis (I), 34’ Tosku (C), 80’ Poletti (C)

Cesena FC: Fontana, Domeniconi, Tosku (68’ Zamagni), Wade, Rossetti (89’ Lantignotti), Ridolfi (89’ Marini), Mattioli, Poletti, Casadei, Ribello (83’ Kebbeh), Amadori (83’ Abbondanza). Substitutes: Gianfanti, Baietta, Carbone, Tonti, Berti, Biguzzi. Coach: Campedelli.

FC Internazionale: Taho, Della Mora (54’ Ballo), Cerpelletti, Maye, Zouin, Bovio, El Mahboubi (65’ Marello), Kukulis (65’ Iddrissou), Mancuso, Zanchetta (54’ Zarate Hidalgo), Jakirovic (83’ Farronato). Substitutes: Moressa, La Torre, Nenna, Vukoje, Breda, Gjeci. Coach: Carbone

Referee: Matteo Dini of Città di Castello

Assistant Referees: Elia Tini Brunozzi of Foligno - Giuseppe Bosco of Lanciano

Fourth Official: Michele Maccorin of Pordenone

Notes: yellow cards for Della Mora, Zarate Hidalgo (I). Red card for Taho (I) in the 81st minute.