In a crucial match at the Stadio Alberto Pinto, Casertana secured a vital 2-0 victory over Crotone on April 19, 2025, keeping their hopes alive for direct salvation in the Serie C Now championship. The win came courtesy of second-half goals from captain Bacchetti and Egharevba, propelling Casertana to 29 points in the standings and closing the gap on Foggia, who lost to Messina in a direct clash.
The match was a must-win for Casertana as they looked to avoid the dreaded playouts, needing to finish above both Messina and Foggia. Coach Manuel Iori made significant changes to his lineup, bringing in Gatti and Falasca to bolster the defense and opting for Vano in attack. With Bunino and Fabbri sidelined due to injuries, the pressure was on the home side to deliver a strong performance.
The first half was a tense affair, ending goalless at 0-0. Casertana started brightly, with Kallon proving to be a constant threat down the right flank. In the 11th minute, Vano nearly broke the deadlock but was thwarted by Cargnelutti's timely intervention. Crotone responded with a couple of attempts, but Zanellati in goal for Casertana was equal to the task, especially when he denied Vitale just before the halftime whistle.
As the second half began, Crotone seemed more aggressive, but it was Casertana who struck first in the 66th minute. Following a corner, the ball found its way to Bacchetti, who expertly finished from close range to make it 1-0. The goal sent the home fans into a frenzy, and Casertana capitalized on their momentum just thirteen minutes later. Egharevba found the net after a chaotic sequence in the box, sealing the victory for the falchetti.
Crotone, who had hoped to secure third place with a win, now face a disappointing end to their regular season. Coach Emilio Longo's side struggled to find their rhythm, with their defense failing to contain Casertana's attacking threats. Despite a few promising moments, including a close call from Cargnelutti that hit the crossbar, the away side was unable to convert their chances.
As the match concluded, the atmosphere was electric at the Pinto stadium, with fans celebrating a crucial victory that keeps Casertana's survival hopes alive. The players acknowledged the support from the stands, knowing that their next match against Picerno will be just as pivotal. Meanwhile, Crotone will have to regroup quickly as they prepare for their upcoming playoff campaign, needing to address the issues that led to their disappointing performance in Caserta.
In the end, Casertana's victory not only boosts their morale but also puts them in a better position to avoid relegation. With one match left in the season, the falchetti will be looking to build on this momentum and secure their place in the league for another year.
