On December 21, 2024, Carrarese edged out Cosenza with a narrow 1-0 victory at the Stadio Dei Marmi, thanks to Manuel Cicconi's stunning goal late in the match. This match was particularly pivotal for both teams, as it showcased Carrarese's rising form and left Cosenza facing increasing pressure after their third consecutive defeat.
From the start, Carrarese displayed their intent, creating several scoring opportunities. Their aggressive play, characterized by quick transitions and strong forward runs, quickly put Cosenza on the back foot. The first half saw Carrarese dominate possession and threaten the Cosenza goal frequently, yet they could not find the net. Notably, Shpendi hit the crossbar with a powerful shot early in the match, demonstrating Carrarese's offensive capabilities.
"The game was well within our reach, and we showed determination throughout," said Carrarese coach Antonio Calabro after the match. The score remained 0-0 at halftime, but things took a turn for Cosenza just before the break. Aldo Florenzi received his second yellow card for simulation, reducing Cosenza to ten men and severely crippling their chances for the remainder of the game.
Despite being down to ten players, Cosenza began the second half with renewed vigor, striving to stabilize their defense. They managed some threatening forays, with new sub Ciervo narrowly missing the target early on. Yet, the numerical disadvantage visibly weighed on them as the match progressed.
At the 77th minute, the breakthrough came for Carrarese. Following a well-executed corner taken by Zuelli, Cicconi, stationed at the edge of the penalty area, unleashed a spectacular volley, leaving goalkeeper Micai with no chance. This moment not only secured the win for Carrarese but also solidified Cicconi's reputation as a clutch player.
Cosenza's players tried to rally for an equalizer but struggled to maintain possession and create meaningful chances. Their efforts were repeatedly thwarted by Carrarese's solid defense, which has now gone three consecutive matches without conceding, showcasing their defensive organization.
The final whistle confirmed Carrarese's victory, prompting jubilant celebrations from the home fans, approximately 3,343 spectators, who turned out to witness the match. Coach Calabro praised his team's resilience, stating, "Keeping a clean sheet and securing three points was our goal today. We're building momentum, and every win is important for our confidence."
The loss for Cosenza marks their third straight defeat, leaving them at the bottom of the league table and raising concerns about their survival prospects. Cosenza's coach, Massimiliano Alvini, expressed disappointment following the match, acknowledging the impact of the expulsion on the team's performance. He noted, "We had moments where we could have capitalized, but losing Florenzi, one of our key players, cost us dearly. We need to regroup and focus on the next match against Catanzaro, which is now more important than ever."
With this victory, Carrarese now has 26 points and is positioning themselves for potential playoff contention, showing signs of improvement and resilience under pressure. They're set to face Sampdoria next, which provides another opportunity to gain valuable points. Meanwhile, Cosenza must work hard to bounce back, with their upcoming match against Catanzaro being pivotal for their hopes to escape the relegation zone. Can they turn the tide and secure much-needed points? Only time will tell.
