On March 3, 2025, Cavese secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Casertana during the Campanian derby at the Simonetta Lamberti Stadium. This match was pivotal for both teams as they battled for survival within the Serie C ranks, making the stakes incredibly high for both sides.
The match unfolded with early pressure from Casertana, who seemed eager to establish their dominance. Notable attempts from players like Bunino and Vano posed immediate threats to Cavese's goalkeeper, Boffelli, within the first quarter of the game. Despite their strong start, it was Cavese who took the lead against the run of play. At the 21-minute mark, defender Vitale unleashed a spectacular left-footed shot from outside the area, catching everyone off guard and sending the ball crashing past the Casertana goalkeeper, Zanellati. This moment would prove to be the decisive one for the home side.
Despite finding themselves trailing, Casertana quickly regrouped and continued to pose threats against the Cavese defense. Paglino had the chance to equalize but fired high from inside the penalty area just four minutes later. Throughout the first half, Cavese maintained defensive solidity and limited Casertana's attacks.
Following the halftime break, the atmosphere intensified as Casertana ramped up their efforts to find the equalizer. Coach Massimo Pavanel's side had several promising chances; one notable moment was when Proia's header from the corner was responsibly gathered by Boffelli. With the game still finely balanced, the tension escalated during the second half, marked by persistent back-and-forth exchanges between both squads.
Cavese sought to maintain their advantage through tactical substitutions and disciplined play. Coach Vincenzo Maiuri made effective changes to bolster defense and strangle the attacking rhythm of Casertana, who heavily relied on speed and agility from players like Bakayoko and Kallon. Meanwhile, the match saw its pivotal moment when Pavanel, after expressing dissatisfaction with the referee's calls, was shown the red card, leaving his team without their lead strategist for the remainder of the match. His frustrations were echoes of the heated rivalry, with both sets of supporters feeling every challenge.
Throughout the match, chances continued to slip between both teams. Casertana's burgeoning efforts to draw level culminated when Vano found himself positioned for what seemed like the equalizer, but his header narrowly missed the mark.
With the clock winding down, Casertana could taste desperation. An 88th-minute appeal for a penalty kick after potential pushing inside the box was denied, causing exasperation among the visiting supporters. Nonetheless, Cavese held firm, soaking up the pressure and refusing to crack, eventually closing out the contest as they celebrated their hard-fought win.
This victory was significant for Cavese, allowing them to move to 36 points and climb to twelfth place on the Serie C table, now five points clear of the relegation zone just above Latina. Meanwhile, Casertana's defeat marked their second consecutive loss, placing them at 28 points and seventeenth position. The tough road ahead looms large for them as they face the increasing threat of relegation.
Post-match, Pavanel acknowledged the frustrations of his players, noting, "We created potential opportunities, but the goalkeeper didn’t make any definitive saves. The game was balanced and decided by a distant shot. We had to capitalize more on our chances.” His focus remains on the next fixtures and fostering positive morale within the team as the fight for survival intensifies. Despite the challenges faced, he remains determined to steer his side away from relegation. “We'll do everything to reach safety; nine matches remain, and we'll take each game at maximum capacity until the last minute,” he asserted firmly.
This match reflected more than just three points; it was indicative of the fierce rivalry and the weight of expectations engulfing both teams as they navigated the challenging waters of Serie C. The standings will dictate their paths over the remaining fixtures, but for now, Cavese can bask in the glory of local bragging rights.