The Brescia-Mantova derby, held on April 5, 2025, at the Rigamonti Stadium, turned out to be a thrilling encounter that saw Mantova snatch a crucial 2-1 victory, significantly impacting both teams' standings in the Serie B relegation battle.
The match kicked off at 15:00, with a vibrant atmosphere as approximately 11,000 fans filled the stands, including Bishop Pierantonio Tremolada, who attended with 1,000 children from local oratories. The rivalry between the two clubs also attracted around 2,000 Mantova supporters, showcasing the deep-rooted connection between the two fan bases.
In the first half, Brescia took the lead early on, with Gennaro Borrelli scoring a stunning goal in the 7th minute. He received a well-placed pass from Corrado, cutting in from the left before unleashing a powerful diagonal shot that beat Mantova's goalkeeper, Festa. The home side seemed in control, creating several chances but failing to extend their lead.
As the teams headed into halftime, Brescia's 1-0 advantage looked promising. However, the second half brought a dramatic twist. Just five minutes after the restart, Mantova equalized through Brignani, who met a cross from Fiori with a powerful header, leaving Brescia's goalkeeper, Lezzerini, with no chance.
The match intensified as Mantova sought to capitalize on their momentum. In a heart-stopping moment, Mantova was awarded a penalty after a foul by Bisoli on Trimboli. However, Mancuso's attempt from the spot hit the crossbar, much to the relief of the Brescia fans.
Despite the missed penalty, Mantova continued to press. In the dying moments of the match, Radaelli scored the decisive goal in the 95th minute, capitalizing on an assist from Wieser. The defender's shot found the back of the net, sending Mantova's supporters into a frenzy.
Brescia's hopes were further dashed when Juric found the net shortly after, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside. The match ended with a score of 2-1 in favor of Mantova, marking their second consecutive victory and lifting them to 12th place in the standings.
Meanwhile, Brescia's struggles continued as they slipped into the relegation playoff zone, now sitting 16th with 34 points. The team has not won at home in 187 days, a staggering statistic that underscores their current difficulties.
Coach Rolando Maran, facing several absences, including Cistana, Adorni, and Besaggio, expressed disappointment but also emphasized the need for resilience. "We mustn't let ourselves be conditioned by the absences; we just have to give everything we have to take back the Rigamonti," he stated before the match.
On the other side, Mantova's coach, Davide Possanzini, who enjoyed a successful playing career with Brescia, acknowledged the emotional weight of the match. "It won't be a match like the others; there will be great emotion, but this is our job. We have to forget everything during the 90 minutes," he said.
The victory was crucial for Mantova, who will look to build on this momentum in their next match against Spezia on April 13, 2025. As for Brescia, the team must regroup and find a way to turn their fortunes around as they face an uphill battle to avoid relegation.
In conclusion, the Brescia-Mantova derby delivered a rollercoaster of emotions, with Mantova emerging victorious in a match that will be remembered for its thrilling conclusion and significant implications for both teams as the season progresses.
