CASTELLAMMARE DI STABIA – On May 9, 2025, Juve Stabia faced Reggiana at the Stadio Romeo Menti in Castellammare di Stabia for the 38th matchday of the Serie B season. The stakes were high, with Juve Stabia aiming to secure their playoff position while Reggiana fought to avoid relegation. The match kicked off at 20:30 local time, with referee Luca Zufferli overseeing the action.
Juve Stabia entered the match in fifth place with 55 points, having accumulated 14 wins, 13 draws, and 10 losses throughout the season. They had scored 41 goals while conceding 39. The home team was looking to build on their last performance, a 0-0 draw against Brescia, where they managed to earn a vital point. Coach Guido Pagliuca hoped to maintain the momentum and secure a strong finish to the season.
On the other hand, Reggiana came into the game in 13th place with 42 points, having achieved three consecutive victories. They had scored 39 goals but conceded 49, making their defensive performance a key focus. Under the guidance of coach Davide Dionigi, the team was looking to continue their winning streak to ensure safety from relegation.
The starting lineups featured Juve Stabia in a 3-4-2-1 formation with Thiam in goal, supported by Ruggero, Peda, and Bellich in defense. The midfield included Mosti, Leone, Pierobon, and Rocchetti, while Piscopo and Maistro played behind the lone striker Adorante. Reggiana lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, with Bardi in goal and a back three of Meroni, Rozzio, and Lucchesi. The midfield included Libutti, Ignacchiti, Reinhart, Marras, and Portanova, while Gondo and Girma led the attack.
As the match began, Juve Stabia quickly established a strong presence on the pitch, pressing high and creating early chances. Just four minutes in, Gondo of Reggiana had a close call, with his shot blocked by Ruggero after a well-timed setup from Ignacchiti's free kick. Juve Stabia responded with a dangerous cross from Piscopo, but Bardi was alert, making a solid catch to deny the home side.
Both teams fought fiercely for possession, with Juve Stabia maintaining a slight edge in ball control, recording 51.7% possession compared to Reggiana's 45.1%. The home team’s aggressive pressing forced Reggiana to play defensively, but the visitors showed resilience, countering with their own attacks.
Throughout the first half, Juve Stabia's Adorante, who was returning from injury, made several attempts to find the back of the net, but the Reggiana defense held firm. Meanwhile, Reggiana’s Gondo and Portanova combined well, attempting to exploit gaps in Juve Stabia's defense, but their efforts were thwarted by a disciplined backline.
As the half progressed, both teams struggled to convert their chances into goals, leading to a tense atmosphere in the stadium. Juve Stabia, needing a win to solidify their playoff aspirations, pushed forward relentlessly. However, Reggiana, aware of their precarious position just above the relegation zone, defended stoutly, showcasing their determination to secure at least a point.
By halftime, the score remained 0-0, leaving both teams with everything to play for in the second half. The players returned to the pitch, and the intensity of the game increased as both coaches urged their teams to find that crucial breakthrough.
In the second half, Juve Stabia continued to dominate possession, but Reggiana's counter-attacking style began to yield results. The visitors created a few more chances, including a notable attempt from Marras, whose shot narrowly missed the target.
As the clock ticked down, the tension in the stadium escalated. Juve Stabia made tactical substitutions in an attempt to freshen up their attack, bringing on new legs to break the deadlock. However, Reggiana's defense, led by the experienced Rozzio, remained resolute.
With just minutes remaining, Juve Stabia had a golden opportunity to seal the match, but Bardi made a spectacular save to deny Adorante's close-range effort. The crowd erupted in a mix of frustration and hope as the home side continued to press for a winner.
In the dying moments of the game, both teams pushed forward, but neither could find the decisive goal. The match concluded with a score of 0-0, leaving Juve Stabia still in contention for a playoff spot while Reggiana earned a crucial point in their battle for survival.
The result left Juve Stabia in fifth place with 56 points, just one point away from confirming their playoff position, while Reggiana remained in 13th place, now just two points clear of the relegation zone. As the season draws to a close, both teams will look to their upcoming fixtures to secure their respective goals.
Fans of both clubs will be eagerly awaiting the next round of matches, as the stakes continue to rise in this thrilling Serie B season.