On April 5, 2025, the "Pietro Barbetti" stadium hosted a crucial clash in Serie C, Group B, as Gubbio faced Ascoli in the 35th matchday of the season. Both teams entered the match with differing motivations: Gubbio was looking to solidify their playoff position, while Ascoli aimed to escape the relegation battle.
Gubbio, under the guidance of coach Gaetano Fontana, came into the match sitting tenth in the standings with 44 points, just above the playoff cutoff. Their recent form had been promising, highlighted by a 2-0 victory against Carpi in the previous match, which allowed them to extend their lead over the struggling Ascoli by four points.
In contrast, Ascoli, led by Domenico Di Carlo, was in a precarious position, sitting fifteenth with 38 points and only five points clear of the relegation zone. The team had struggled throughout the season, and their last outing ended in a disappointing 0-0 draw against Vis Pesaro, leaving them in desperate need of a win to boost morale and secure their safety.
The match kicked off at 17:30, and both teams seemed to approach the game with caution. The first half was largely uneventful, with Gubbio and Ascoli exchanging possession but failing to create clear-cut chances. Gubbio's best opportunity came in the 6th minute when Rosaia's shot was blocked, while Ascoli's Ciabuschi squandered a golden chance from close range shortly after.
As the first half progressed, Ascoli began to find their rhythm, but they were unable to capitalize on their possession. In the 26th minute, Ciabuschi missed another significant opportunity, hitting the side netting after a well-placed cross from Carpani. The first half ended with both teams locked in a 0-0 stalemate, much to the frustration of the home crowd.
After the break, the second half continued in a similar vein, with both teams struggling to break the deadlock. Gubbio made some tactical adjustments, bringing on Di Massimo in the 80th minute, who almost made an immediate impact. In the 84th minute, he struck the post with a powerful shot, sending the home fans into a frenzy as they sensed a late winner.
Ascoli, however, was not without their chances. In the 87th minute, Gagliardi had a great opportunity to put the visitors ahead, but his shot went just wide of the target. The match reached a tense climax as both teams pushed for a decisive goal, but despite several near misses and a flurry of late activity, neither side could find the back of the net.
In the dying moments of the match, Tremolada had a free kick for Ascoli in the 93rd minute, but his attempt sailed over the bar, sealing the fate of the match. The referee blew the final whistle shortly after, and the teams settled for a point each, ending the contest with a 0-0 draw.
This result left Gubbio in tenth place, maintaining their playoff position, while Ascoli remained in fifteenth, inching closer to their goal of securing safety in the league. Despite the lack of goals, both teams can take positives from the match; Gubbio showed resilience in defense, while Ascoli's performance indicated a potential turnaround under Di Carlo's management.
Looking ahead, Gubbio will need to find a way to convert their possession into goals if they hope to secure a playoff spot, while Ascoli will aim to build on this performance as they face upcoming matches against Torres, Sestri Levante, and Legnago Salus.
As the season draws to a close, both teams are keenly aware of the stakes, and the fight for playoff positions and survival continues to heat up in Serie C.
