In a thrilling encounter at the Stadio dei Marmi, Carrarese pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat Bari 2-1 in the Serie B match on March 30, 2025. The game was filled with excitement as both teams battled fiercely for crucial points, but it was the home side that emerged victorious, leaving Bari with their seventh defeat of the season.
The match kicked off at 15:00, with Bari aiming to secure their playoff position while Carrarese sought to distance themselves from the relegation zone. Bari took an early lead in the 39th minute when Lorenco Simic scored with a powerful shot, giving the visitors a momentary advantage. The Croatian forward capitalized on a well-placed cross from Oliveri, turning sharply to beat Carrarese goalkeeper Fiorillo.
However, Carrarese responded just before halftime. Ernesto Torregrossa found the net in the 45th minute, leveling the score at 1-1. Torregrossa's goal came after a clever assist from Finotto, who set him up perfectly in the box. The first half concluded with both teams locked at one goal apiece, setting the stage for an intense second half.
As the second half commenced, Carrarese came out with renewed energy and determination. Just six minutes into the half, Gabriele Guarino scored the decisive goal in the 51st minute, heading home from a well-executed corner kick taken by Cicconi. Guarino, a former youth player for Bari, did not celebrate the goal out of respect for his roots, but it was a crushing blow for the visiting side.
Despite falling behind, Bari continued to push for an equalizer. In the dying moments of the match, they nearly found it when Maggiore had a golden opportunity in the 93rd minute. He connected with a header from a Bellomo cross, but the ball narrowly missed the target, hitting the side netting instead.
Throughout the match, Bari had their chances, but the Carrarese defense held strong, with Fiorillo making crucial saves to maintain their lead. The home side's strategy, which involved a 3-4-2-1 formation, proved effective, especially in the second half where they displayed greater composure and control.
In contrast, Bari's coach Longo faced criticism for his team's performance, particularly in the second half where they seemed to lose their initial momentum. Despite their promising start, the biancorossi struggled to create clear-cut chances as the match progressed. The players who were expected to shine, like Pereiro and Simic, found it difficult to make an impact as the game wore on.
After the final whistle blew at 17:02, the score stood at 2-1 in favor of Carrarese, marking a significant win for the home team. With this result, Carrarese moved further away from the relegation zone, now sitting comfortably in mid-table. In contrast, Bari's playoff hopes took a hit, as they now find themselves in a precarious position, having drawn seven of their last ten matches.
The upcoming fixtures see Carrarese facing Cittadella, while Bari will take on Catanzaro in a bid to regain momentum. The stakes are high for both teams as they navigate the final stretch of the season. With only a few matches left, every point counts, and both sides will be looking to capitalize on their remaining opportunities.
Overall, this match was a testament to the unpredictability of Serie B, where fortunes can change rapidly. Carrarese's resilience and determination shone through, while Bari will need to regroup and reflect on their performance as they aim to bounce back in their next outing.