Reggio Emilia witnessed a historic footballing moment on December 14, 2024, as Modena triumphed over their fierce local rivals Reggiana with a score of 1-0. This marked Modena's first win in the derby since 1949, breaking the 74-year drought and rewriting the narrative of the rivalry.
The atmosphere at the Mapei Stadium was electric, with over 10,000 fans braving the cold to support their teams. The home side, Reggiana, started the match strongly, finding the net just 90 seconds after kick-off. Manolo Portanova headed the ball past Modena goalkeeper Raffaele Gagno, only for the goal to be disallowed after VAR intervened, citing a foul by Marras earlier in the play. The initial excitement quickly turned to disappointment for the home supporters, setting the tone for the match.
Modena, undeterred by their rivals' early chance, quickly regained their composure and began asserting control over the match. Their persistence paid off when, just 20 minutes through, Pedro Mendes capitalized on a defensive mishap from Reggiana during a corner. After the ball bounced around the area, Mendes took his chance with swift precision, sending the ball low past Reggiana's goalkeeper, Marco Bardi. The scoring put Modena at the forefront and solidified the shift of the match’s momentum.
The yellow and blue squad, guided by the tactical acumen of coach Michele Mandelli, then created several opportunities to extend their lead. Zaro hammered the ball against the crossbar from close range, and another promising chance was squandered when Giuseppe Caso shot over the goal after evading several defenders. Despite their dominance, Modena went to halftime with only the single goal advantage, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
On the other hand, Reggiana struggled to regroup after losing their lead and managing their newfound pressure. While they maintained attacking pressure, the canary defense, led by Gagno, held firm. Reggiana's Vido and Pettinari tried to force the issue, but clear chances eluded them as their efforts were either blocked or went astray.
With the final whistle approaching, Modena’s defense stood strong against Reggiana's attempts to get back on level terms. The canaries were quick on the counter-attack, creating several more chances through Mendes and Santoro, but unable to find the final touch. Gagno's performance was key, as he thwarted various efforts, ensuring the match remained under Modena's control.
The end of the match saw jubilance among the visiting supporters, who celebrated not only the victory but the end of what has been described as the ‘curse’ of not winning this derby for over seven decades. Coach Mandelli was quoted saying, "This win is the turning point our team and fans were waiting for," showcasing the relief and pride felt within the Modena camp.
Conversely, the defeat left Reggiana licking their wounds, dropping them to just above the relegation zone with only 18 points after 17 matches. Coach Viali's squad must now reassess their strategy to refocus for their upcoming matches, starting with their trip to Cittadella.
This derby victory for Modena is not just three precious points; it’s the symbolic slaughter of their long-standing struggles, infused with hope for the future. The players and fans alike will cherish this victory, marking December 14, 2024, as the day Modena reclaimed their rightful place above the Secchia. Can they build on this momentum moving forward? Only time will tell, but for now, the canaries soar high after this exhilarating victory.
