Spezia Hold Their Nerve to Win a Derby Reggiana Would Not Let Go
Martin Piro settled a sharp Italian Serie B contest at 2-1 after Reggiana had fought back, giving Spezia the latest say in a rivalry of close margins.
“We kept our heads when the derby turned against us.” Spezia Calcio had the final word on Saturday, beating Reggiana 2-1 in Italian Serie B after the hosts answered Ismaila Jaiteh’s opener and threatened to seize control of the contest.
Jaiteh put Spezia ahead two minutes into the second half. Reggiana, who had already asked plenty of questions, levelled through Davide Abruzzese in the 67th minute. Martin Piro restored Spezia’s lead ten minutes later, and this time the visitors held it.
The numbers tell a story of opposing methods: Reggiana had 17 shots to Spezia’s 11, but Spezia kept 67 per cent of possession and made their control count. Reggiana hit it once. The hosts had 11 corners and nine attempts on target, but pressure is not the same thing as a goal.
There was a familiar edge to the result. The sides drew 1-1 in December, while their earlier meetings included a Reggiana win and two draws; Spezia had also won the 2058 meeting at Reggiana by the same 2-1 score. This derby does not offer much room for a comfortable verdict.
Alfano knows the other dressing room well: the goalkeeper spent eight seasons at Reggiana before joining Spezia. The old boy left with the result, and Spezia left with the bragging rights.