“Mamma Arena” pushes Pisa to the final – L’Arno.it
– Maurizio Fici –
Great success for the Nerazzurri in the return leg of the playoffs. Benali takes care of it and avenges the defeat of the first leg (1-0) with a goal in the first lunge. Birindelli intercepts a ball, gallops for fifty meters, serves Puscas from outside who puts in the middle, tap-in from Benali who bags into the net at 11 ‘making the Arena Garibaldi explode with joy.
In the central phase of the match Pisa has a few chances of the match but in the final they had several chances to close the game by securing the result. Even if the victory comes only by measure, the best placing in the league made the difference and Pisa are deservedly in the final. The team of mister Luca D’Angelo up to now in important moments he has always concentrated his objectives and this can be a good omen to face the races on 26 and 29 May. Up for grabs is a dream, a place in Serie A.
Hot cheering in a sold out Garibaldi Arena: beyond 10,000 spectators in a day to be framed. From the late morning the Nerazzurri crowd began to flock first in dribs and drabs and then, as the time for the opening of the gates approached, en masse. The stands filled up in an eye batter. Full packed the Curva Nord, followed by the steps and the grandstand. In the South curve approx 900 Benevento fans. Supported by both sides even if the Nerazzurri was superlative enough to cancel the Giallorossi one. However, great respect among the expected supporters, despite the very important stake.
The choreography is wonderful set up by the Curva Nord with a Nerazzurri banner at the bottom with the words “ALWAYS TOGETHER WITH YOU PISA DEL MY HEART”, while a red and blue flag was dropped from the top of the curve and waving black and blue flags. Even the steps were no less with the generous waving of the Nerazzurri and Rossocross flags, the orange smoke bombs. A lot of voice from the whole stadium with the covered grandstand full of people jumping, clapping their hands and following the choirs launched from the other two sectors of the stadium. Really a bedlam and at Benali’s goal the whole stadium exploded with joy, accentuating the incitement.
There were many characters from the Nerazzurri cheering present in this decisive match for the Nerazzurri’s fate. We wanted to mention some who live on “bread and Pisa”. Among these Sabrina Pattiwho celebrated his birthday on 18 May and to whom we wish, albeit late, present in the lower gallery together with his brother Sandro, his nephew Lorenzo and his friend Manuela Tommasi. The Patti family has had the Nerazzurri colors in their blood for a lifetime and it is right to mention them for their loyalty.
Come not to remember the mythical Francesco Michelottialways present with the group of disabled people in the lower gallery, where we hear him screaming and waving in support of his beloved Pisa.
At the beginning of the second half the Curva Nord exhibited two banners with the words “Forza Diego continues to fight” and “Ale lotta da ultras” dedicated to two Nerazzurri fans amid general applause. Moments of suffering and suspense in the second half, then after 5 minutes of recovery the triple whistle, underlined by the roar of the whole stadium.
The Nerazzurri team runs under the Curva Nord to rejoice at this heavy victory that sends Pisa to the final. There are hugs and tears of joy among the fans, really moved. Among these Matteo Castellifresh husband, who wanted to be present with his wife Marzia Carrara to this important match. To him, a great Nerazzurri heart, Pisa could not have given a better wedding gift.
And now head and heart to the first leg final on May 26th. One step at a time but it can be safely said that the Nerazzurri have all the credentials to play until the end.
Maurizio Fici
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PISA – Nicola; Birindelli Leverbe, Hermannsson, Beruatto; Nagy, Marin (91 ′ De Vitis), Mastinu (64 ′ Siega); Benali (64 ‘Sibilli); Torregrossa (64 ‘Lucca), Puscas (84’ Masucci). Available: Livieri, Berra, Cohen, Tourè, Gucher, Di Quinzio, De Marino. Coach: Luca D’Angelo
BENEVENTO – Paleari; Letizia, Barba, Glik, Masciangelo (68 ′ Elia); Calò (84 ‘Forte), Acampora (68’ Viviani), Ionita (51 ‘Insigne); Tello, Improta (68 ‘Moncini), Lapadula. Available: Manfredini, Gyamfi, Vogliacco, Petriccione, Foulon, Pastina, Brignola. Coach: Fabio Caserta
Scorers: 11 ‘Benali (P)
Bookings: Ionita (B), Marin (P), Leverbe (P), Tello (B)
Referee: Simone Sozza of Seregno (Monza-Brianza)
Alto photo: Benali’s winning goal (Gabriele Masotti)