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| Serie B: Week 40 review |
Monday 19 May, 2008
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Chievo are a point from Serie A and are hotly pursued by Bologna who leapfrogged Lecce after the Salentini’s defeat in the Puglia derby
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Chievo have effectively had their tickets stamped for a return to the First Division after their win against Vicenza at the Bentegodi sent them six points clear of the play-off places with two games remaining.
Giuseppe Iachini’s side took the lead thanks to an own goal from Roma youngster and Interista Marco Andreolli before Sergio Pellissier struck for the 22nd time this season. The visitors did pull one back, but it was too late, leaving Biancorossi fans anxious – Vicenza need a point next week to be assured of safety.
Bologna appear to have shaken off their recent troubles, the Felsinei took advantage of an unmotivated Messina outfit and avenged their 3-0 defeat at Grosseto last weekend, winning by the same scoreline. Massimo Marazzina made the net bulge twice to ensure second place changed hands once again.
Lecce fell to third, going down 2-1 in a thrilling Puglia derby at home to Bari who literally parked the bus in front of the goal after taking a two goal lead. Galletti Coach Antonio Conte, Lecce born-and-bred, marshalled Bari to perfection and kept the Salentini at bay until the 85th minute when Daniele Corvia scored to set up a nervous finish.
Albinoleffe lost for the second consecutive week, losing out to Ascoli in an evenly matched contest that ended 3-2. The Azzurri have conceded seven goals in their last couple of outings and, despite being certain of a play-off place, are losing ground in the race for automatic promotion. Ascoli, on the other hand, collected their fourth win on the bounce and have scored 10 times in 360 minutes.
Luckily for Elio Gustinetti’s side, rivals Brescia don’t seem to want to overtake them. Serse Cosmi’s men disappointed again, losing 2-1 at Rimini who might - just might – sneak into the playoffs at the expense of Pisa who are five points above the Emilians.
The Tuscans should still make it though after they put a shaky start behind them in Ravenna to overpower a confident and now demoralised bottom-four Giallorossi outfit 4-1. Ravenna must take maximum points from their last two games to stand a chance of safety – they face foot-of-the-table Cesena on the final day of the season.
Treviso’s good spell continues and their 2-1 victory – their third in a row - against Cesena leaves them all but secure given that Avellino are six points adrift of the Biancocelesti. The Irpini held a Triestina side without hitman Pablo Granoche to a 2-2 draw, giving them a faint hope of survival.
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