The anticipation was palpable as Messina and Foggia faced off in the first leg of their Serie C NOW 2024/25 playout match at the "Franco Scoglio" stadium on May 10, 2025. Both teams were desperate to secure their place in Lega Pro, with the stakes higher than ever. Ultimately, the match ended in a tense 0-0 draw, leaving everything to play for in the return leg.
Messina, who finished the season at the bottom of the league, entered the match with a record of 6 wins, 11 draws, and 17 losses, resulting in a total of 25 points after a four-point deduction. Their goal difference stood at -28, having scored 29 goals while conceding 53. In contrast, Foggia finished 17th with 31 points, boasting 7 wins, 10 draws, and 17 losses, with a goal difference of -27, scoring 34 and conceding 51.
The match kicked off with both teams showing signs of nerves, and it quickly turned into a tactical battle. Foggia's coach, Antonio Gentile, set his team up in a 3-5-2 formation, with an emphasis on strong defensive play and quick transitions. Meanwhile, Messina's coach, Antonio Gatto, opted for a more traditional 4-3-2-1 setup, aiming to utilize their home advantage.
In the early stages, Foggia looked more comfortable, controlling the pace of the game. However, opportunities were scarce on both sides. The first real chance came in the 7th minute when Foggia's Sarr was booked for a foul on Messina's goalkeeper, Krapikas, as he attempted to capitalize on a rebound. Krapikas, who had a solid performance throughout, made a crucial save later on, denying Sarr again from close range.
As the first half progressed, Messina struggled to find their rhythm, with their offensive choices often predictable and easily read by Foggia’s defense. The home side’s forward, Luciani, failed to register a single touch in the first half, a testament to Foggia's defensive discipline. Despite a few attempts, including a near miss by Crimi, the first half ended without any goals, reflecting the tension and pressure both teams felt.
During the halftime break, Gatto urged his players to show more courage and creativity in the second half. The message seemed to resonate, as Messina came out with renewed vigor, pushing more players forward. However, they continued to encounter difficulties in breaking through Foggia's solid defensive line.
Foggia maintained their defensive strategy while looking for counter-attacking opportunities. The introduction of Emmausso in the second half added some fresh legs to Foggia’s front line, but the visitors still struggled to convert their chances. The game became increasingly frantic as both teams fought for dominance, leading to several yellow cards being issued as tensions flared.
In a pivotal moment, Messina's Dell'Aquila found himself with a golden opportunity but failed to capitalize, shooting wide after breaking free from his marker. The frustration was palpable as the clock ticked down, with both teams aware that a goal could be decisive in this two-legged affair.
As the match neared its conclusion, Gatto made a final push, substituting Tordini for Costantino to add more attacking options. However, despite several late attempts, including a close-range effort from Luciani that went wide, the deadlock remained unbroken.
With the final whistle, the match ended in a 0-0 draw, a result that left Messina with no choice but to win in the return leg to avoid relegation. The atmosphere in the stadium was thick with disappointment for the home fans, who had hoped for a better outcome in this crucial fixture.
Looking ahead, the return leg promises to be a thrilling encounter, with Foggia holding the advantage of playing at home. Should the aggregate score end in a tie, Foggia will retain their place in Lega Pro due to their higher league finish. Gatto and his team will need to regroup and come out fighting in the second leg, as their season hangs in the balance.
For now, both teams will reflect on their performances, knowing that the battle for survival in Lega Pro is far from over. The return leg at the Zaccheria stadium is set to be a defining moment for both clubs, and fans will be eager to see which team can rise to the occasion.
