Palermo’s promotion hopes remained firmly on track despite a dramatic 2-2 draw away to Avellino on saturday.the Rosaneri twice took the lead in a match filled with late drama, but ultimately had to settle for a point after a stunning bicycle kick from Avellino’s Palumbo leveled the score in the 88th minute [[2]]. The result halts Palermo’s winning streak in Serie B, but maintains their position among the league’s frontrunners as they prepare to face Padova next week.
Palermo had to settle for a point on the road after a thrilling 2-2 draw against Avellino, a result that halts their winning streak but keeps them firmly in the promotion conversation. The match, filled with intensity and late drama, saw Palermo twice take the lead only to be pegged back by a resilient Avellino side.
Player ratings: Diakitè’s costly errors, Ranocchia nets first goal of the season
Palermo manager Inzaghi made one change to the starting lineup from the previous day’s training session, opting for Peda at right-back instead of Bereszynski. Diakitè started on the right flank, with Segre and Ranocchia in midfield. Avellino started brightly, forcing Palermo to exercise patience in possession. Pohjanpalo fired an early shot off target as Palermo attempted to respond with a high press, but struggled to consistently win back the ball. In the 24th minute, Joronen made a crucial save to deny Palmiero, and Le Douaron had a goal-bound header cleared off the line by Fontanarosa in the 35th. However, Avellino broke the deadlock in the 39th minute when Biasci capitalized on a missed challenge from Ranocchia, slotting home a cross from Missori. The first half ended with Avellino leading, having disrupted Palermo’s rhythm with their intensity and organization.
Inzaghi reflects: “We should have closed it out, now we focus on Padova”
The second half began with no changes to either side. Early in the half, Ceccaroni nearly gifted Avellino a goal with a poor backpass, but Joronen recovered well to deny Tutino. Palermo struggled to build momentum, with Avellino effectively closing down space. In the 60th minute, Joronen again intervened to save from Biasci. Inzaghi then made a double substitution in the 65th minute, bringing on Gomes and Gyasi for Segre and Bani. Palermo found an equalizer in the 69th minute when Ranocchia unleashed a stunning volley from the rebound of Ceccaroni’s blocked shot, leveling the score at 1-1. Buoyed by the goal, Palermo pressed for a winner. They were awarded a penalty in the 83rd minute after Fontanarosa was judged to have fouled a Palermo player, and Pohjanpalo calmly converted, scoring his 11th league goal of the season to put Palermo ahead 2-1. However, the drama wasn’t over. In the 87th minute, Diakitè received his second yellow card and was sent off for a reckless challenge. With Palermo down to ten men, Avellino quickly responded, Palumbo scoring with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 88th minute to tie the game at 2-2. Joronen was called into action again in the closing moments, making a vital save to deny Lescano as Avellino pushed for a late winner.
Tabellino
AVELLINO (3-5-2): Daffara; Enrici (84’ Russo), Simic, Fontanarosa; Missori, Palmiero (73’ Palumbo), Sounas, Besaggio (88’ Panico), Cancellotti; Tutino (73’ Patierno), Biasci (84’ Lescano). Substitutes: Iannarilli, Gyabuaa, Crespi, Cagnano, Milani, Manzi. Manager: Biancolino.
PALERMO (3-4-2-1): Joronen; Peda, Bani (65’ Gyasi), Ceccaroni; Diakité, Segre (65’ Gomes), Ranocchia (84’ Blin), Augello; Palumbo (84’ Giovane), Le Douaron (88’ Veroli); Pohjanpalo. Substitutes: Gomis, Bardi, Brunori, Bereszynski, Corona. Manager: Inzaghi.
Referee: Simone Galipò (Florence).
First Assistant Referee: Valerio Colarossi (Rome 2).
Second Assistant Referee: Marco Ricci (Florence).
Fourth Official: Valerio Vogliacco (Bari).
VAR: Lorenzo Maggioni (Lecco).
AVAR: Daniele Rutella (Enna).
Goals: 39’ Biasci, 69’ Ranocchia, 83’ Pohjanpalo, 88’ Palumbo.
Booked: 17’ Bani, 55’ Palmiero, 61’ Simic, 75’ Diakitè, 76’ Palumbo, 81’ Fontanarosa, 92’ Gomes.
Sent Off: 87’ Diakitè (second yellow card).
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