On Saturday, April 19, 2025, Team Altamura faced off against Audace Cerignola in a crucial match for the thirty-seventh matchday of Serie C at the "Tonino D'Angelo" stadium. Kickoff was set for 18:30, and the stakes were high for both teams, albeit for different reasons.
Team Altamura, having already secured their safety in the league, came into this match after a challenging stretch, with four consecutive defeats weighing heavily on their morale. Despite their recent struggles, they aimed to finish the season on a high note in front of their home fans. Coach Daniele Di Donato expressed his disappointment over the recent results but emphasized the importance of the season as a whole. "We are very pleased to have achieved an important goal to allow the city to preserve the category. We are disappointed with the last few games because we always want to win. The last results are frustrating because they overshadow the good work done so far. The boys deserve applause for this extraordinary season, as do our fans, who have allowed us to work in a serene environment and have always supported us. It would be nice to thank our fans with a positive result today," Di Donato said.
On the other side, Audace Cerignola came into the match with aspirations of clinching a promotion spot, trailing Avellino by five points with two matches left to play. Cerignola had suffered a heavy defeat against Benevento in their last outing but had previously secured victories against Cavese and Monopoli. Coach Giuseppe Raffaele's squad, known for their impressive away record, needed a win to keep their promotion hopes alive.
The first half of the match was a tense affair, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. The first significant chance came from Cerignola in the 3rd minute when McJannet's shot tested Altamura's goalkeeper Spina, who made a solid save. Altamura responded with a header from Rizzo in the 10th minute, but Cerignola's Greco was alert and managed to block the attempt. As the half progressed, opportunities were few and far between, with the first 45 minutes ending in a stalemate at 0-0. The match saw little in terms of excitement, with both teams appearing cautious.
As the second half kicked off, the intensity increased. In the 48th minute, Rolando's shot was deflected for a corner, signaling Altamura's intent to take the lead. However, it was Cerignola who came closest to scoring in the 72nd minute when Coccia missed a golden opportunity in front of an open goal, a miss that would prove costly for the visitors.
Finally, the breakthrough came in the 76th minute when Palermo scored the only goal of the match. A well-placed cross from Mane found Palermo, who directed a powerful header past Greco, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. The goal not only lifted the spirits of the Altamura players but also secured a vital three points.
As the match approached its conclusion, tensions rose. In the 91st minute, Rolando received a yellow card for a late foul, a reflection of the match's physical nature. With four minutes of added time announced, Cerignola pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but Altamura's defense held firm.
Ultimately, the match concluded with a 1-0 victory for Team Altamura, a result that marked a significant morale boost for the team after a string of disappointing results. This victory also had implications for the league standings, as it mathematically confirmed Avellino's championship title due to Cerignola's inability to secure points.
The final whistle saw Altamura celebrating a hard-fought win, while Cerignola was left to ponder their missed chances. Di Donato's squad had managed to end their losing streak and finish the season on a positive note, much to the delight of their loyal supporters. With this victory, Altamura's season, filled with ups and downs, concluded with a moment of triumph that they can build upon for the future.
As the fans left the stadium, the atmosphere was one of relief and celebration. Altamura's players embraced each other, acknowledging the support of their fans who had stood by them through thick and thin. The season may have had its challenges, but the team remained united, looking ahead to what the next season would bring.
