Giana sunk at home. Rimini wins the first leg

GORGONZOLA (Milan)

Rimini takes the first leg of the Coppa Italia Serie C final: 1-0. The return leg, at the Romeo Neri on Tuesday 8 April, will require a feat. The small, great Giana has it in her bag. Yesterday the Città di Gorgonzola was sold out: 3.588 spectators (31.715 euros in takings) and a smashed record. The previous match against Venezia, at the inauguration of the stadium renovated by president Oreste Bamonte, ten years ago, was “just” two thousand and something. Different times, different story. Same story for Marotta and Pinto, on the pitch now as then. Pinto, who will turn 39 in May, is raging with the grit of a young boy. While his teammate, Marotta, 35, weaves in the center exactly as in 2015.

A festive evening for a historic event never experienced in over a century of history: fireworks, band, many exes including the historic captain Marco “Chino” Biraghi and Alessio Iovine, now at Como, in the stands like the suspended Caferri and Tirelli. Significant absences, but Chiappella is a regular in the rotations: classic 3-5-2, with Lamesta (excellent) flexible between midfield and attack. More Rimini, however: Cioffi raises the revs in slalom, Ferri acts as a lightning rod in the small area. Cioffi himself paints two chocolates that ignite as many scrums: Giana, by the skin of its teeth, is saved. But it certainly does not turn the other cheek. Quite the opposite: Alborghetti passes, Lamesta flies and puts it in the center, Pinto shoots with a sure shot but finds the rebound, on the goal line, by Megelaitis. The challenge heats up and Mangiapoco has to fly on Fiorini, as does Vitali on Stuckler. Then, the carousel of substitutions begins, involving also the referee Turrini from Florence who stumbles on De Maria and gets injured: in comes the fourth official Drigo from Portogruaro. Tension, tackles, rain, battle with Rimini who bites harder. Until the advantage on the counterattack, finalized by Cioffi who skips Ferri and beats Mangiapoco. Closing credits, despite two shots from De Maria. There is still hope. There is still the return.

GIANA-RIMINI 0-1 (0-0)

Goalscorer: 36' st Cioffi.