TRIESTE – In a stunning display of offensive prowess, Triestina overwhelmed Novara with a resounding 6-0 victory at the Nereo Rocco stadium on April 25, 2025. Despite this emphatic win, the triumph was bittersweet for the alabardati as they now face the daunting challenge of the playouts to secure their place in the league.
Triestina, managed by veteran coach Tesser, came into this match with a clear goal: to end a tumultuous season on a high note. They not only succeeded in that aim but also sent a strong message about their intentions heading into the playouts against Caldiero Terme, scheduled for May 10 and May 17. With this victory, Triestina demonstrated their attacking capabilities, scoring an astounding five goals in the first half alone.
The scoring frenzy began just two minutes into the match when Fiordilino, making his mark early, headed home a precise cross from Olivieri. This goal set the tone for what was to become a historic afternoon for the home side. Olivieri, who was instrumental throughout the match, quickly turned from provider to scorer. In the 12th minute, he found himself in a favorable position, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to double the lead.
As if the early goals weren't enough, the onslaught continued. Braima, benefiting from another assist by Olivieri, made it 3-0 in the 18th minute with a well-placed diagonal shot. The Novara defense, which had been shaky throughout the encounter, could do little to stop the relentless Triestina attack.
Silvestri added to the tally in the 32nd minute, striking from close range after a defensive error left him unmarked. The first half concluded with Fiordilino scoring his second goal of the match just before the break, tapping in after a rebound from a shot by Correia that had been saved by Novara's goalkeeper Minelli.
The second half saw Triestina maintain their dominance, though the pace slowed as the team was aware of their impending playout matches. The only dark cloud on the horizon was the injury to Olivieri, who was forced off the field in the 57th minute, raising concerns about his fitness for the upcoming crucial games.
Despite the substitution, Triestina continued to press forward, and their efforts were rewarded in the 78th minute when Cortinovis scored a spectacular goal, curling the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box, sealing the 6-0 rout.
Coach Tesser praised his team's performance, stating, "We played with great intensity and showed our true potential today. This victory gives us the confidence we need heading into the playouts. However, we must remain focused and not underestimate our opponents."
On the other hand, Novara's season came to a disappointing end. The loss not only eliminated them from playoff contention but also highlighted the struggles they faced throughout the season. Manager Mascara acknowledged the need for significant changes, remarking, "We need to regroup and reflect on what went wrong this season. We have to come back stronger next year."
As Triestina prepares for their playout battle against Caldiero, they will carry the momentum from this victory into the crucial matches ahead. The first leg will take place at the Berti Stadium on May 10, followed by the return leg at the Rocco on May 17. With only two draws needed to secure their safety in the league, Triestina will look to build on their impressive performance against Novara.
In summary, while the 6-0 victory over Novara was a remarkable achievement, it serves as a prelude to the intense challenges that lie ahead in the playouts. The team must harness the confidence gained from this match and channel it into their upcoming encounters, as they strive to avoid the drop into the lower division.