Virtus (in red) suffered a bitter defeat on Saturday. © Social Media

Late defeat: Virtus struggles in Mestre

Virtus Bozen suffered a late defeat 28-0 in Mestre on matchday 1 of Serie D (Group C). The Talferstädter conceded the decisive goal from Caluschi in stoppage time.

March 23, 2024

From: chm/sn

Staying in the league remains a difficult mission for Virtus Bozen, even after the bitter defeat in Venice. Mestre took control of the game from the start on Saturday afternoon and pushed for the lead. In the 13th minute, for example, Barzon tried from a distance, but Morello parried the ball without any problems.

A little later, Virtus responded to the home team's dominance with an attempt from Osorio, whose deflected shot threatened to be very dangerous, but an excellent Yabre parried for a corner. In this one, the Bolzano team narrowly failed to take the lead as Frison saved an attempt by Busetto on the line. After about 20 minutes without any major events, Mestre tried to score again in the form of Imputato, but his shot went over the goal. The home team was the better team in the first half, but Virtus saved themselves with a 0-0 score at half-time.

As at the beginning of the game, it was Mestre who tried to take the lead. An attempt from Rivi went over the crossbar and the new substitute Carli was narrowly missed by Morello, who was careful and neutralized the header. After a difficult half hour, Virtus came back and almost took the lead in the 36th minute: corner from Cremonini, header from Milani and the ball went just wide.

The late 0:1

In added time there was a catastrophe for Sebastiani's men. After a free kick from Virtus in the opponent's half of the pitch, Mestre was able to win the ball back and quickly bring it back into play. The ball was brought into the middle of the penalty area, where Caluschi was ready and beat Morello with his shot to make it 0-1. It was the goal that sealed Virtus Bozen's defeat.

Mestre – Virtus Bozen 1-0

Mestre (3-5-2): Yabre; Spinelli, Frison, Maset; Brigati, Boscolo, Mozzo (from 83 Vezini)), Viviani (from 59. Casarotto), Pinton; Rivi (from 59. Carli), Imputato (from 78. Caluschi).

Virtus Bolzano (5-3-2): Morello; Bussi, Busetto, Milani, Kicaj, Tschigg (from 78th Berat); Zeni (from 55th Centazzo), A. Kaptina (from 82nd Forti), Cremonini; E. Kaptina (from 66. Stancic), Osorio (from 62. Vinciguerra).

Saturday in Serie D, matchday 28

Este – Adriese 2:2
Mestre – Virtus Bozen 1-0
Breno – Dolomiti Bellunesi 0:3
Montecchio Maggiore – Luparense 1-0
Castegnao – Portogruaro 1:2
Chions – Calcio Montebelluna

The table