Avellino triumphed over Casertana 2-1 in a gripping derby match held at the Stadio Alberto Pinto, marking another significant step forward for the team as they continue their pursuit of the top spots in Serie C.
The match showcased not only the fierce rivalry between the two sides but also Avellino's ability to comeback after trailing. The game’s first goal came from Casertana's Michele Vano at the 38th minute, who capitalized on a defensive error by Avellino and delivered a precise strike past goalkeeper Iannarilli.
Avellino quickly responded, equalizing just five minutes later through Andrea Cagnano. The left-back unleashed a powerful shot after receiving the ball just outside the box, displaying superb technique to level the score at 1-1 before halftime.
The second half saw Avellino take control early on. They completed the comeback when Enrici scored just four minutes after the break. Following a well-taken corner by Palmiero, Enrici met the ball with his head, directing it powerfully past the stranded Casertana defense, which left goalkeeper Zanellati with no chance.
While Avellino pushed for more goals, Casertana struggled to find their footing and it became evident they were under pressure. The home side did have opportunities, including an effort from Bunino, which was ruled out for offside midway through the second half, highlighting the fragility of the scoreline.
Despite Casertana's valiant attempts to find another equalizer, including several missed chances and desperate attacks, Avellino’s defense held firm, with standout performances from Cancellotti and Rigione. The more they pressed, the more resilient Avellino became, demonstrating strong tactical discipline.
After the match, Raffaele Biancolino, Avellino's coach, reflected on the importance of consecutive victories. He noted, “It was important to win and continue from the success against Crotone. Our team is beautiful and crazy, working hard on what we’ve built up until now.” He praised Cagnano for his growing confidence and contributions, stating, “He is showing his value and is growing conditionally.”
Biancolino also acknowledged the quality displayed by Casertana, emphasizing their recent performances and the difficulty of securing victory at home ground, which they managed to achieve against strong odds.
This victory momentarily elevates Avellino to second place, only two points behind Audace Cerignola, who will be facing Sorrento on the following Sunday, making the upcoming matches even more pivotal. The club’s supporters celebrated this derby victory enthusiastically, likely anticipating even more from their team.
Looking forward, Avellino will next face Juventus Next Gen at the Partenio-Lombardi, where they hope to maintain their form and continue their ascent through the ranks of Serie C. With the season progressing, both the coaching staff and fans will be keeping their fingers crossed for another strong performance as they tackle the challenges ahead.
The final whistle might have marked the end of the match, but the excitement surrounding Avellino’s prospects is far from over, pushing them to work harder for each point as the season continues.