On December 14, 2024, the Cavese football team achieved a significant victory over Sorrento, winning 3-1 at the Stadio Viviani in Potenza. This match marked not just standard league play but also the fierce competition in Serie C derbies, highlighting the importance of local rivalries.
The match opened with immediate intensity, with Sorrento eager to assert their dominance, especially after suffering previous defeats. Yet, it was Cavese who struck first. Just five minutes in, following a corner kick, defender Saio headed the ball, which was deftly redirected by Fella, putting Cavese in the lead. This moment shocked the home crowd, who had high hopes for Sorrento’s performance.
Unfazed, Sorrento rallied and found the equalizer shortly after. At the 26-minute mark, Bolsius capitalized on a moment of confusion within the Cavese defense, firing off a shot after some clever footwork, leveling the score at 1-1. The energy surged across the pitch as the crowd erupted with encouragement for Sorrento.
Cavese, demonstrating resilience, reclaimed the lead just ten minutes later. Pezzella, who had already contributed to the first goal, struck again. Positioned at the edge of the penalty area, he executed a brilliant curling shot, which danced past the Sorrento goalkeeper, Del Sorbo, restoring Cavese’s advantage to 2-1 before halftime. This goal showcased Pezzella’s skill and was pivotal as he transformed the momentum back to his team.
Despite heading to the locker rooms down by one, Sorrento remained resolute during the halftime break. They emerged for the second half ready to press for another equalizer. Musso was introduced to increase offensive pressure, and early opportunities arose, but Cavese's defense, anchored by Saio and Peretti, held firm against the onslaught.
The second half saw Sorrento dominantly controlling possession and creating chances, even coming close to scoring. They struck the crossbar and had several near-misses, including Scalà’s costly miss just yards from goal. With every failed attempt, the anxiety built for Sorrento’s supporters, who yearned for the equalizer.
Despite the home team’s pressure, Cavese held on and began to counterattack effectively. Sorrento's attempts to balance the score left them vulnerable. Finally, as the match neared its end, Cavese struck again with Vitale scoring the clinching goal deep in stoppage time, sealing the match at 3-1 and delivering Sorrento their second consecutive defeat.
After the match, reactions were mixed as Sorrento’s coach Barilari acknowledged the missed opportunities: "Troppo sciupati, the chances wasted made all the difference today." Meanwhile, Cavese’s coach Maiuri celebrated, stating, "This victory means so much for our confidence moving forward, especially after recent struggles. We’ve turned the tide today."
This win allowed Cavese to climb the standings to 24 points, now just three behind Sorrento, who remain at 27 points after the match. Following the match, both teams look toward future challenges, with Cavese excited for their upcoming fixtures, including another derby against Benevento, with aspirations of maintaining their momentum.
This derby showcased not just the skills on display but also the unyielding spirit of both teams, setting the stage for the rest of the Serie C season. Moving forward, the importance of capitalizing on opportunities seems to echo loudly for Sorrento, who must learn from their errors to avoid similar heartbreaks.
