Ternana delivered a stunning performance, defeating AScoli 3-0 at the Stadio Del Duca on February 23, 2023. The victory marks a significant step for Ternana as they seek direct promotion to Serie B, following their previous stumble against Campobasso.
The match kicked off at 15:00, and Ternana made their intentions clear early on. Ternana's coach, Ignazio Abate, opted for the 4-3-2-1 formation, aiming to exploit AScoli's defensive weaknesses. Abate needed his players to bounce back after their recent loss; "It’s important we regain our momentum after last week’s loss," he stated prior to the match.
AScoli, coached by Mirko Cudini, fielded their familiar 4-3-3 lineup, seeking to capitalize on home advantage. Cudini mentioned before the match, "We needed this win to keep our playoff hopes alive," emphasizing the stakes involved.
The contest started with both teams probing each other's defenses, but it didn’t take long for Ternana to break the deadlock. Corradini opened the scoring after capitalizing on a defensive error by AScoli's goalkeeper, Raffaelli, intercepting his pass and slotting the ball home.
Just moments later, Ternana’s Cianci doubled the lead with a well-placed header following excellent work from Cicerelli and Tito, leaving the AScoli defense scrambling. The Ternana fans, limited to 219 supporters attending due to ticket restrictions, erupted with joy as the score moved to 2-0.
AScoli struggled to find their rhythm, continuing to face pressure from Ternana. They had opportunities, but their efforts were thwarted by the solid defending of Ternana, particularly from Capuano and Loiacono.
Late in the first half, Curcio sealed the match with another goal. After tearing down the left wing, Cicerelli assisted him, allowing Curcio to finish from close range, marking it 3-0 before halftime. The Ternana bench erupted, celebrating their formidable performance.
After the break, AScoli attempted to regain control, introducing Gagliardi to bring fresh legs to their attack. Despite their efforts, they failed to convert any of their chances, with Vannucchi, Ternana's keeper, making key saves, especially from attempts by Adjapong and Alagna.
AScoli's resistance was met by Ternana's disciplined approach, and they seemed content to maintain their lead and control the pace of play. Cudini's side looked for any gap but found none, as Ternana's defense held firm.
The match concluded with Ternana firmly securing the victory. Cudini acknowledged his team's defeat and the challenges they face, stating, "We need to regroup and refocus for the upcoming matches. This performance will raise concerns for us going forward." Meanwhile, Abate was thrilled, crediting his squad for executing the game plan perfectly: "Ternana’s explosive performance dominated the match," he noted.
With this victory, Ternana remains four points behind league leaders Virtus Entella, intensifying their pursuit of the coveted promotion spots. AScoli, now sitting at just 33 points, must swiftly address their form as they linger just above the playoff line.
The final score, 3-0, not only boosts Ternana’s morale but also sends a strong message to their competition as they intensify their campaign for promotion.