Serie C 2024/25: Alcione Milano 1-0 Triestina

It was a challenging away fixture for Triestina, who faced Alcione Milano at Stadio Breda in Sesto San Giovanni. The hosts, newly promoted and in excellent form with three consecutive wins, had climbed to fifth place in the standings. Triestina, still dealing with numerous injuries, saw the return of Vertainen, Kiyine, and Krollis to the squad. Despite not being fully fit, the Finnish forward started as the focal point of the attack, supported by El Azrak, with the rest of the lineup unchanged from the previous week. The home side fielded their usual 4-3-1-2 formation, with Palma dictating the play in midfield and the dangerous forward duo Palombi-Marconi supported by the talented Invernizzi.

Triestina started the match aggressively, with Bijleveld’s run leading to Vertainen being pulled down in the box, though not enough for a penalty to be awarded. On a pitch in poor condition, making it difficult to maintain ball control, Alcione responded in the 10th minute with a left-footed effort from Marconi that sailed over the crossbar. After a period of few significant chances, El Azrak created space for a shot from distance in the 21st minute, but his effort missed the target.

Triestina attempted to press Alcione high up the pitch, but in the 31st minute, the hosts took the lead. Marconi finished with a right-footed volley from close range following a free-kick, despite Triestina’s protests over what appeared to be two fouls in the buildup. Triestina’s response came quickly, with Bijleveld’s dangerous left-footed shot in the 33rd minute deflected narrowly wide by a defender. This proved to be the last noteworthy chance of a balanced first half.

The second half opened with a quick counter from Alcione, as Bonaiti found Palombi in the box, but his weak shot was easily collected by Roos. At the other end, Germano tried his luck with an effort from 20 meters in the 49th minute, but it was saved by Bacchin. In the 55th minute, El Azrak’s long-range shot missed the target, and moments later, a left-footed attempt by Rizzo following a corner was deflected over the bar. Krollis came closest to scoring for Triestina in the 57th minute, with a close-range header from an El Azrak corner, but Bacchin made an excellent save.

Triestina continued to push, with Bijleveld firing just wide in the 64th minute after a prolonged attack. In the 70th minute, Correia went on a brilliant solo run, beating multiple defenders, but his powerful left-footed shot was blocked just outside the six-yard box with Bacchin beaten. Vertainen went down in the box in the 73rd minute under contact from a defender, but the referee saw no grounds for a penalty. Triestina remained on the front foot, with Alcione rarely venturing out of their half, but Braima’s powerful shot from a tight angle in the 78th minute sailed over the bar.

Alcione’s persistent time-wasting tactics disrupted the flow of the game, and despite Triestina’s constant pressure, the hosts’ defense held firm. In stoppage time, Triestina had a final opportunity from a corner, but the ensuing scramble in the box came to nothing. The match ended in a bitter 1-0 defeat for Triestina, who despite a valiant effort, could not secure a result they arguably deserved.

Alcione Milano 1-0 Triestina

Scorers: 31’ Marconi

Alcione Milano (4-3-1-2): Bacchin; Chierichetti, Pirola, Stabile, Di Marco; Palma (74’ Pio Loco Boscariol), Bonaiti, Bright (87’ Miculi), Invernizzi; Palombi, Marconi (42’ Pessolani).

Substitutes: Agazzi, Piccinocchi, Ciappellano, Mazzola, Foglio, Lanzi, Caremoli, Bertoni, Bagatti, Bertolotti.

Coach: Giovanni Cusatis

Triestina (3-5-2): Roos; Germano, Moretti, Rizzo; Pavlev, Braima, Correia, Vallocchia (55’ Krollis), Bijleveld (71’ Kiyine); El Azrak (71’ Vicario), Vertainen.

Substitutes: Borriello, Diakite, Frare, Tonetto, Baricchio.

Coach: Geppino Marino