Arezzo secured a decisive 2-0 victory against Rimini on February 24, 2025, at the iconic Romeo Neri Stadium. This marked a significant turnaround for the Arezzo team, who had been struggling with morale after two successive defeats.
The match, attended by 2,773 spectators, started with both teams approaching cautiously. Rimini, aiming to extend their unbeaten run, faced unforeseen challenges when their defender, Bellodi, had to exit the match due to injury early on. The setback disrupted Rimini's rhythm, and as the first half progressed, it was Arezzo who seized the opportunity.
At the 36th minute, Tavernelli broke the deadlock with a stunning strike. After skillfully maneuvering left, he curled the ball from the edge of the box, sending it past the Rimini goalkeeper Ferretti. This goal was significant as it came just after Bellodi’s injury and highlighted the stark difference between the teams' performances.
Despite some pressure from Rimini before halftime, including efforts from Malagrida and Langella, Trombini, the Arezzo goalkeeper, effectively managed his area, ensuring the visitors held onto their lead through the break. The first half ended, and neither side had found many clear chances, but Arezzo’s goal gave them the upper hand.
The second half resumed with Rimini attempting to regroup but faced immediate trouble. Just ten minutes after the restart, Ravasio showcased his prowess with another beautiful finish, doubling Arezzo’s lead. Receiving the ball from deep, he executed a brilliant diagonal shot, leaving Ferretti with little chance to respond. This goal was pivotal, putting Rimini two goals behind and forcing them to alter their game plan significantly.
After the second goal, the match’s tempo dropped and many substitutions were made as both coaches sought to inject fresh energy. While Rimini made changes to their offensive strategy, introducing players like Cioffi and Fiorini, Arezzo maintained control of the game, opting for defensive steadiness over aggressive pursuit of additional goals.
The visibility conditions worsened due to thickening fog over the stadium, leading to interruptions as referees consulted on whether to pause the game. Despite this challenge, Arezzo demonstrated resilience, effectively neutralizing Rimini’s attempts to claw back. The visitor's defense, guided by experienced players, held strong.
The final whistle blew with Arezzo celebrating their important win. This victory not only halted their losing streak but also elevated them to 43 points, placing them seventh on the Serie C table. On the other hand, this defeat brought Rimini’s six-match unbeaten streak to an end, leaving them at 37 points, sitting ninth.
Coach Cristian Bucchi expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, highlighting the importance of this match to restore confidence. "This win is just what we needed to push forward and regain our momentum," he stated post-match. Conversely, Rimini’s Coach Antonio Buscè lamented their difficulties, emphasizing the need to regroup quickly and stay focused on their next fixtures.
Overall, this match served as a pivotal moment for both teams. With Arezzo securing much-needed points, the stage is set for them to build on this momentum, whereas Rimini must reassess and bounce back effectively to maintain their position within the league's competitive standings.