Benevento Calcio
vs
Carpi FC
Kick-off
18:30 GMT
08 June 2017
As the majority of domestic European football is over for the season, there is still one very important match left in the Serie B season and that’s the play-off final second-leg for a place in Serie A next season. The first-leg at Carpi’s stadium ended 1-1 meaning there’s still everything to play for in the second-leg at Stadio Ciro Vigorito, Benevento’s stadium. After a 5th placed finish for Benevento and a 7th placed finish for Carpi, neither side were expected to reach the play-off final but they both have the chance to win it on Thursday night.
Carpi have never beaten Benevento in a Serie B game and in the 3 second division games they have played against each other this season Benevento won 1 game and the other 2 ended as draws. The game back at the end of January at Benevento’s ground ended 3-0 to the hosts.
In one of Benevento’s biggest ever games, they will have the advantage of playing in front of their own fantastic home fans and without any absent players, their advantage is even greater. A fully available squad in a game of this importance is vital and with Ceravolo in attack, they are always confident.
Latest matches: Benevento Calcio
04.06.2017 | Seri | Carpi FC | Benevento Calcio | 0:0 | D |
30.05.2017 | Seri | Perugia | Benevento Calcio | 1:1 | D |
27.05.2017 | Seri | Benevento Calcio | Perugia | 1:0 | W |
23.05.2017 | Seri | Benevento Calcio | Spezia Calcio | 2:1 | W |
18.05.2017 | Seri | SC Pisa | Benevento Calcio | 0:3 | W |
It’s never easy for a side to win a game like this in front of volatile opposing fans and without the big game experience, they may struggle under the intense pressure. For the second game in a row, they’ll be missing their two full-backs for the clash and without Aljaz Struna and Riccardo Gagliolo they might struggle to cope with Benevento’s strength in the wide areas.
Latest matches: Carpi FC
04.06.2017 | Seri | Carpi FC | Benevento Calcio | 0:0 | D |
29.05.2017 | Seri | Frosinone Calcio | Carpi FC | 0:1 | W |
26.05.2017 | Seri | Carpi FC | Frosinone Calcio | 0:0 | D |
22.05.2017 | Seri | AS Cittadella | Carpi FC | 1:2 | W |
18.05.2017 | Seri | Carpi FC | Novara Calcio | 2:0 | W |
The place in Serie A next season is definitely Benevento’s to lose and a win over Carpi is expected and Carpi will need a huge performance if they want to compete in the top flight next term. Home advantage and stronger team should be enough for Benevento to secure a win in the play-off final but as unpredictable as play-off finals come it could easily go either way. Both teams will be nervous during the game and with neither side being high scorers, it will probably be decided by a single goal.
08 June 2017 - 18:30 GMT
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