In a historic night for Rimini, the club clinched its first-ever Coppa Italia Serie C title after a tense 0-0 draw against Giana Erminio at the sold-out Romeo Neri stadium on April 8, 2025. Having secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg, Rimini's draw was enough to lift the trophy, marking a significant achievement in the club's history.
The atmosphere was electric as over 6,000 fans filled the stands, including approximately 100 supporters from Giana Erminio. The match began with Giana Erminio making an early push, earning a free kick just one minute into the game. De Maria's delivery was met with a header clearance by Rimini's Megelaitis, setting the tone for a competitive encounter.
Rimini's response came in the 11th minute when a cross from Cinquegrano found Cioffi, whose shot was blocked, leading to Longobardi firing wide, creating an illusion of a goal for many in attendance. Giana continued to press, earning several corners in the first half, but the Rimini defense held firm.
The first half ended goalless, and Rimini coach Antonio Buscè expressed satisfaction with his team's performance at halftime, emphasizing the importance of maintaining concentration. "We knew it would be difficult, but we must remain focused. We need to play as a team and look to finish our chances," Cioffi remarked post-match.
As the second half commenced, Rimini made a tactical change, bringing on Conti for Piccoli in the 51st minute. The substitution injected fresh energy into the home side's attack. However, Giana Erminio continued to dominate possession, looking for an equalizer to overturn the aggregate deficit.
In the 58th minute, Rimini came close to scoring when Cinquegrano struck the crossbar, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Giana's goalkeeper, Mangiapoco, was called into action multiple times, notably in the 87th minute when he made a crucial save against Cioffi, denying him a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Despite Giana's aggressive approach, they struggled to convert their chances into goals, with Rimini's defense effectively neutralizing their attacks. The match remained tense as it approached its conclusion, with Giana pushing for a late goal, but the Rimini players held their ground.
After five minutes of added time, referee Giuseppe Mucera blew the final whistle, confirming Rimini's victory in the tie. The stadium erupted in celebration as fans and players celebrated this historic achievement. The trophy presentation followed, with officials from Lega Pro and former footballer Gianfranco Zola handing over the coveted cup to Rimini's captain.
Buscè praised his team's resilience and strategic play throughout the match, stating, "We played smart and took advantage of the spaces they left us. It’s a proud moment for our club and our fans." The victory not only secured the Coppa Italia title but also qualified Rimini for the national phase of the Serie B playoffs, further enhancing their season.
Rimini's path to this title has been remarkable, considering the club had not previously reached the final of the Coppa Italia Serie C. Last season, they were eliminated in the semifinals, but this year, they turned the tables and made history. As the players lifted the cup aloft, it was clear that this victory was not just about the trophy, but about the journey and the passion of the fans who supported them throughout.
The club's history now includes this significant milestone, and as the players celebrated on the pitch, the focus shifted to the upcoming playoff phase, where they aim to continue their success. With the momentum from this victory, Rimini looks poised to make a strong push in the playoffs, dreaming of further glory.
As the celebrations continued long into the night, one thing was certain: Rimini's victory in the Coppa Italia Serie C was a moment that would be remembered for years to come, a testament to their hard work and dedication.
