As the Serie C season approaches its climax, the stakes couldn't be higher for both Casertana and Foggia, who are set to clash today at the Alberto Pinto stadium at 17:30. With Casertana sitting in second-to-last place with just 22 points and Foggia not far ahead in fourth-to-last with 30 points, this match is pivotal for both teams as they fight to avoid the dreaded playouts.
Casertana enters this match after a disappointing outing against Monopoli, where they saw a comfortable lead slip away in mere minutes. Head coach Manuel Iori is keen to shift the focus back to the task at hand, emphasizing the need for his players to forget the past and concentrate solely on the challenge posed by Foggia. “We must think only about Foggia; this must be our focus, and our attention must be maximum,” Iori stated. “We don’t have time to think about what has happened. We need to concentrate on the next match; we have no alternatives, and we cannot dwell on past results.”
With only five matches remaining in the season, Casertana is eager to build on their recent home victory against Sorrento. The team is determined to keep their hopes of avoiding relegation alive, and a win today would be a significant boost. Iori noted that the team needs to demonstrate greater offensive impact compared to their previous performance. “We need to be more incisive in attack,” he said, acknowledging the need for a stronger showing than what was seen in Monopoli.
On the other hand, Foggia arrives in Caserta desperate for a turnaround after suffering three consecutive defeats. Coach Luciano Zauri has made it clear that this match is crucial for their survival in Serie C. “This game has become even more important given our recent results,” Zauri remarked. “We need to approach this match with the right mentality.” Despite their challenges, Zauri is optimistic about his team’s potential to secure a positive result.
However, Foggia faces significant challenges, particularly in attack, as they will be without key players Sarr and Salines, while Santaniello is still not at his best. Zauri has hinted at the possibility of adapting Marzupio to fill the gap left by their missing strikers, a move that could prove risky but necessary under the circumstances. “We have to find a way to be dangerous despite the absence of a central striker,” he explained.
Casertana's recent form has shown signs of improvement, and they are keen to capitalize on Foggia's struggles. The home side will aim to start aggressively, looking to score early and maintain control of the match. Iori believes that Foggia will not come to Caserta relaxed, stating, “Foggia is a team that has qualities that can create problems for us.” He stressed the need for his players to stay focused for the entire match.
The match will see Casertana fielding a probable lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring Zanellati in goal, with a defense composed of Fabbri, Kontek, Bacchetti, and Falasca. In midfield, Proia and Collodel will anchor the team, while Kallon, Bunino, and Egharevba will support Vano in attack. The absence of Heinz due to suspension and Llano due to injury means Iori will have to make strategic adjustments, particularly on the right flank.
Foggia, on the other hand, is expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation with De Lucia in goal, Silvestro, Parodi, Dutu, and Felicioli in defense, and Tascone, Da Riva, and Gala in midfield. Up front, Zunno, Touho, and Emmausso will look to exploit any weaknesses in the Casertana defense.
As the match draws near, the atmosphere is charged with tension, particularly as the away fans have been banned from attending due to public order concerns. This adds an extra layer of pressure on both teams, with Casertana looking to leverage their home advantage while Foggia seeks to overcome their recent setbacks.
Before the match kicks off, a minute of silence will be observed in memory of Lombardi, the former team doctor of Casertana, a gesture that underscores the community spirit surrounding the club. The match will be officiated by Mario Madonia, with Michele Piatti and Michele Decorato assisting.
With both teams eager to secure vital points in their quest for survival, fans can expect a fiercely contested match that could have significant implications for the remainder of the season. The action is set to unfold live on Sky Sport 205 and 251, as well as streaming on Now, promising an exciting showdown between two sides at a critical juncture of their campaigns.
