Reggiana claimed victory against Juve Stabia with a solid 2-0 performance at the Mapei Stadium on December 26, 2023. This match was pivotal as both teams vied for important points in the Serie B standings.
Coached by William Viali, Reggiana fielded their best squad, including Bardi, Sampirisi, Lucchesi, Libutti, Sersanti, Reinhart, Ignacchiti, Portanova, Gondo, and Vergara, opting for a 4-3-3 formation. Juve Stabia, under Guido Pagliuca, lined up with Thiam, Ruggero, Varnier, Bellich, and others, playing in a 4-3-1-2 setup. The anticipation was high, with fans hoping for an entertaining showdown.
The match kicked off at 15:00, and Reggiana immediately displayed aggressive intent. Just one minute in, Vergara had the ball in the net, but it was ruled offside. The first half saw Reggiana pushing forward with determination to avenge their previous defeat at Cittadella. The pressure paid off early when Manolo Portanova opened the scoring with a header after being beautifully assisted by Vergara from the right flank.
The home team's control continued, and just past the halfway point of the first half, Vergara doubled Reggiana’s lead with another excellent finish, confirming their dominance on the field. Fans erupted with joy, chanting and waving banners. Among the messages of support was one honoring the late Iseo, stating, "Avere te sui gradoni è stato come vincere mille scudetti e coppe campioni.” It emphasized the emotional bond the supporters have with their team's heritage.
Despite the two-goal deficit, Juve Stabia struggled to find rhythm. Andrea Adorante's attempts to rally his team were thwarted by the relentless Reggiana defense led by lucchesi and others, who effectively contained the threat posed by the Stabia attackers. The referee, Paride Tremolada, remained busy with cards, issuing yellows for both sides, including to key players like Adorante and Gondo, showing his firm control over the game.
Throughout the match, Reggiana maintained the upper hand, with noticeable stamina and drive. They created more clear opportunities, exemplified by Lucchesi hitting the woodwork with a powerful header from a corner late in the first half. This continued determination reinforced their expectations to secure the three points.
After the halftime break, with Juve Stabia making substitutions in hopes of staging a comeback, the intensity of the match escalated. The visitors managed to increase their pressure and even came close to scoring at one point, but Bardi was alert, making remarkable saves to keep his clean sheet intact. The second half was marked by continuous tactical adjustments, particularly from Juve Stabia, who looked to exploit any weaknesses left by their opponents but found none.
With the clock ticking down and Juve Stabia unable to capitalize on their rare chances, Reggiana's victory seemed inevitable. The match concluded with jubilant celebrations from the home fans and relief for Viali and his squad, now bolstered by this significant win.
The outcome keeps Reggiana's ambitions alive as they continue their quest for promotion, showcasing their resilience and tactical prowess. This match, serving as a reminder to Juve Stabia and other teams about the strength and capabilities of the Reggiana lineup, is another feather in their cap as they aim to ascend the Serie B standing.
Overall, this match was not just about three points, but about pride, passion, and securing the camaraderie shared between the team and their supporters, standing strong as they look forward to the challenges of the upcoming fixtures.
