On February 23, 2025, the Audace Cerignola continued to assert their dominance at the top of Serie C by securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Sorrento at the Viviani Stadium in Potenza.
The match began with intense energy, as both teams sought to capitalize on their recent performances. The Cerignola squad, under the leadership of coach Giuseppe Raffaele, carried the weight of expectations as they aimed to extend their lead atop the league. "Servirà una prestazione di livello per raggiungere il risultato che vogliamo," declared Raffaele, emphasizing the need for high-level play to achieve their goals.
From the onset of the match, Cerignola showcased their attacking prowess, with key player Salvemini taking center stage. Just before the half-hour mark, at the 31st minute, he scored the decisive goal following a perfectly executed set piece by Bianchini, placing his header precisely past the Sorrento goalkeeper, Del Sorbo.
Despite the setback, Sorrento, under coach Giovanni Ferraro, refused to back down. Ferraro’s men were buoyed by their previous strong performances, having gone unbeaten over several matches. "Non sarà una sfida facile per gli ofantini," was the general consensus, but Sorrento charged forward with hope.
With the game increasingly tense, Sorrento made efforts to equalize, pushing through their midfield and attempting dangerous shots. Notable efforts came from players like Guadagni and Musso, but they consistently found themselves thwarted by the solid defensive setup of Cerignola and the sharp reflexes of goalkeeper Greco.
Throughout the second half, Sorrento ramped up their offensive strategy, introducing fresh legs like Riccardi to intensify their push. Yet, Cerignola's defense stood resilient, absorbing the pressure and countering with swift breakaway attempts.
Despite late-game efforts, including multiple attempts to equalize from distance shots by Sorrento, the gialloblu’s defensive resolve prevailed. The match ended with Cerignola maintaining their narrow lead, securing three pivotal points to position themselves firmly at the top of the standings—now five points clear of their nearest rival, Avellino.
Post-match reflections highlighted the significance of this victory for Cerignola, not only consolidifying their lead but also fueling their aspirations for promotion. Meanwhile, Sorrento remains in contention for playoff positions, albeit with lessons learned on the importance of converting opportunities.
The atmosphere at the Viviani was electric, with fans from both sides passionately supporting their teams. This match serves as another chapter in the storied rivalry as both teams look to navigate the remainder of the season with their respective ambitions.
Looking forward, Cerignola appears determined to continue their winning streak, having just extended their remarkable run to five consecutive victories and 13 games without losing. With strong performances and solid team chemistry, the future looks bright for the team from Apulia.
On the other hand, Sorrento, albeit disappointed with the outcome, can take heart from their recent form and the improvements under Ferraro. The race for playoff spots remains competitive, and the coming weeks will be pivotal for their campaign.
Both teams will now regroup and prepare for their upcoming fixtures, each with their eyes set on achieving their season goals—whether it's maintaining the lead or breaking back onto the playoff scene.