Pontedera, March 22, 2025 – The match between Pontedera and Ascoli ended in a 1-1 draw, ultimately proving to be a bittersweet result for both teams as they continue their struggle to secure safety in the Serie C league.
With just five matches left in the season, Pontedera approached this game with hopes of gaining critical points to distance themselves from the relegation zone. The match, held at their home ground, saw a modest attendance of 632 fans, including 98 Ascoli supporters in the visiting sector.
The first half of the contest was largely uneventful, with neither team managing to break the deadlock. Spectators witnessed a cautious start as both sides prioritized defense, leading to a lack of scoring opportunities. The only noteworthy attempt came just before halftime when Ascoli's Varone saw his shot deflected wide, denied by a quick-reacting Pontedera defense.
As the second half commenced, Pontedera began to exert more pressure. Their efforts bore fruit in the 53rd minute when Corona, who had missed a golden chance minutes earlier, found the back of the net. He intercepted a pass, eluded the Ascoli defense, and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Raffaelli, putting Pontedera ahead 1-0.
This opening goal was expected to provide the home side with a much-needed boost, yet it also prompted Ascoli to intensify their attacking play in search of an equalizer. The Ascoli coach, Domenico Di Carlo, made tactical substitutions, bringing on Marsura and Gagliardi, and urging his team to be more aggressive.
Despite Pontedera's initial advantage, the pressure from Ascoli grew throughout the second half. The visitors continued to probe for opportunities, with Gagliardi, fresh off the bench, becoming a prominent presence in the final minutes of the match. He capitalized on a perfect cross from Marsura in the 83rd minute, heading the ball into the net to level the score at 1-1. This goal not only salvaged a point for Ascoli but also moved them to 37 points in the standings, just ahead of the playout zone.
Following the equalizer, Pontedera appeared momentarily stunned. However, they fought back to regain control and nearly found a winner when Italeng seized a chance in stoppage time, only to squander the opportunity right at the end.
As the final whistle blew, the draw left Pontedera with 38 points, still within reach of the relegation zone, while Ascoli’s point allowed them to maintain a light buffer above the potential drop. The shared spoils reflected the match's cautious nature, as both teams were unwilling to take unnecessary risks in the crucial closing stages.
Looking ahead, Pontedera’s next clash will be on Friday against Pianese, where they will again seek to secure vital points in their quest for safety. Meanwhile, Ascoli will host Vis Pesaro on March 30, aiming to continue building on their momentum from this match.
The outcome left both coaches reflecting on missed opportunities. Di Carlo commented post-match, "We made two very serious mistakes in one minute," referencing the moments leading up to the equalizer. His sentiments echoed the frustrations felt on the Pontedera side as they let slip a win that seemed theirs for the taking.
In conclusion, as both teams navigate the pressures of the league’s final matches, the stakes grow increasingly high. Fan support remains crucial as each point accumulates in the strenuous battle for survival in Serie C.
