Cremona, Italy - On Saturday, February 22, 2025, Cesena FC pulled off a stunning last-minute victory against US Cremonese, winning 2-1 at Stadio Giovanni Zini. This match, part of the 27th round of Serie BKT, marked an important turning point for the visitors, maintaining their playoff ambitions.
The game began with both teams showing promising form. Cesena drew first blood at the 14th minute when midfielder Calò capitalized on a defensive error from Cremonese's Antov. After Antov slipped, La Gumina dispossessed him and assisted Calò, who finished with precision, placing the ball past Cremonese goalkeeper Fulignati.
Despite the early setback, Cremonese rallied and found their equalizer before halftime. With only five minutes left to play in the first half, Castagnetti delivered a perfectly executed pass to Azzi. The forward, showcasing his speed and composure, expertly controlled the ball and slotted it home past Klinsmann, drawing the home side level at 1-1.
The score remained tied going deepinto the second half, even as Cremonese dominated possession and created several scoring chances. Klinsmann, Cesena's goalkeeper, made some key saves to deny shots from Vandeputte and Johnsen, keeping Cesena's hopes alive. A potential go-ahead goal for Cremonese was disallowed by VAR due to Antov being offside during the setup, intensifying the suspense as the match wore on.
With the match winding down and both teams seemingly headed for a draw, Cesena found the winning goal during stoppage time. At the 94th minute, Bastoni, introduced as a substitute, delivered a beautifully struck free kick from just outside the box. The ball sailed through the crowded area, leaving Fulignati with little chance to react as it found the back of the net, sealing the victory for Cesena.
This victory was particularly sweet for Cesena, as it not only handed them three precious points but also extended Cremonese's winless streak at home, which had not seen defeat for two months. The victory propels Cesena closer to the playoff zone, creating a three-point gap between them and ninth-placed Modena.
Cremonese manager Giovanni Stroppa voiced his disappointment after the match, as the team’s inability to capitalize on their chances proved costly. “We created enough opportunities; we just didn’t finish well,” he lamented.
Conversely, Cesena's coach Michele Mignani praised his side’s resilience, stating, “The team showed great character, especially after conceding the equalizer.” This win not only adds to their morale but also highlights their capability to fight back under pressure.
Fans at Stadio Zini experienced heightened emotions, with boos and comments directed at referee Alberto Santoro as the game came to its dramatic close. With tensions evident, Fulignati expressed his frustration following the bitter defeat, criticizing the officiation—calling for clarity and fairness.
Next up, Cesena will face Salernitana at home, seeking to build on this momentum. With last-minute victories like this, they are demonstrating they have the tenacity and skill to make waves as the Serie B season progresses. Meanwhile, Cremonese must regroup if they hope to reclaim their home fortress and revive their playoff aspirations.