FC Sudtirol pulled off a dramatic 0-1 victory over SSC Bari at the Stadio San Nicola on Saturday, marking their first win since October and bringing newfound hope to their Serie B campaign. The match, which took place on the 18th matchday of the Serie BKT 2024/25 season, saw Sudtirol clinch the win with Hamza El Kaouakibi's goal just as the game seemed destined for a stalemate.
The excitement built as both teams strove to take command early on. Sudtirol's Odogwu made the first notable attempt, spinning free inside the box only to send his shot wide of the target from close range. Bari attempted to respond with resistance, particularly through attempts from Dorval and Novakovich, yet both were thwarted by Sudtirol's goalkeeper Poluzzi, who showcased sharp reflexes and strong positioning.
Throughout the first half, it was evident both sides were eager to establish their dominance, but they failed to capitalize on numerous opportunities. Sudtirol's Merkaj missed another clear chance when he was denied by Bari's Radunovic, who demonstrated remarkable skill to keep the match level heading to halftime.
Entering the second half, both coaches made tactical adjustments, yet the stalemate continued, with chances falling just short for Sudtirol. The game intensified as the players pressed for the breakthrough, and the tension was palpable among the 14,121 fans present at the San Nicola. Sudtirol continued to apply pressure, forcing several corners and creating chaos within Bari's defense.
With only moments left on the clock and the match seemingly headed for a draw, Sudtirol capitalized on the fatigue of their opponents. A well-executed play unfolded near the end of the match; Casiraghi delivered a precise cross from the left, which Crespi flicked on, creating space for El Kaouakibi. Just before the final whistle, El Kaouakibi emerged as the hero, connecting expertly to find the back of the net and silencing the home crowd.
Following the conclusion of the match, Coach Fabrizio Castori praised his team for their determination and tactical discipline. “The squad played with intensity from the beginning, showing great offensive ideas and compactness throughout,” he remarked, reflecting on the significance of the victory as it rejuvenates their standing within the league.
This marked Sudtirol's second victory under Castori, who stepped up as the team's manager just weeks prior, seeking to overturn the club's fortunes after earlier struggles. The victory not only brought joy back to the team but also breathing room as they neared the top half of the table after being relegated to the bottom spots.
Bari, on the other hand, faces mounting pressure following their second consecutive defeat. Coach Moreno Longo acknowledged his squad's shortcomings, noting, “We have to regain our momentum and mental strength quickly as we prepare for our next match against Palermo.”
The match encapsulated the essence of football - where determination and strategy can turn the tides, especially when victories are hard-won. Sudtirol's triumph at San Nicola is bound to resonate throughout the league as they now look toward their next challenge against Cittadella and aim for continued progress.
With the Serie B season still hanging finely balanced, Sudtirol's victory serves as both respite and hope, as they will take on the tight challenges of the remaining fixtures leading up to the holiday season.
