Juve Stabia produced a stunning late winner to beat Modena 1-0 at the Alberto Braglia and book a place in the Serie B playoff semifinals. Kevin Zeroli, introduced as a substitute, scored an acrobatic bicycle kick in the 86th minute to break Modena's resistance and send the Campanian side through to a two-legged tie against Monza.
The quarterfinal fixture pitted Modena, hoping to capitalize on home advantage, against a Juve Stabia outfit determined to extend their remarkable campaign. The hosts had finished higher in the regular season standings and carried the weight of expectation, but it was the visitors who ultimately displayed the clinical edge required in knockout football.
The first half was a tense, tactical affair with both teams creating one clear opportunity each. Modena's Ambrosino rattled the woodwork with a free kick as early as the sixth minute, a warning shot that set the tone. Juve Stabia responded before the break when Maistro threaded a pass to Cacciamani, whose first-time volley whistled narrowly wide of the far post, sending a ripple of anxiety through the home crowd.
After the interval, Modena intensified their offensive efforts. In the 70th minute, a frantic sequence saw substitute Gliozzi denied twice in quick succession by Juve Stabia goalkeeper Confente, who produced a heroic double block. Moments later, Massolin carved out another golden chance but failed to connect cleanly, scuffing his shot from the penalty spot and wasting a promising opening.
Those missed opportunities proved costly. Juve Stabia, growing in belief, made their pressure count with just four minutes of normal time remaining. A corner kick caused chaos in the Modena six-yard box, and in a crowded area, Zeroli reacted quickest, launching himself into the air to execute a perfect bicycle kick that flew past Pezzolato. The goal silenced the Braglia and sparked wild celebrations among the small band of traveling supporters.
Zeroli's decisive strike not only showcased his individual flair but also typified the resilience of a Juve Stabia side that has consistently defied expectations this season. The midfielder, on loan from AC Milan, had only been on the pitch for eight minutes before his moment of brilliance. His impact underlines the depth and fighting spirit within the squad.
The result propels Juve Stabia into a semifinal showdown with Monza, setting up an intriguing contest. The first leg will take place in Castellammare di Stabia on Saturday, May 16, with the return leg scheduled for May 19 at the U-Power Stadium. Monza will be strong favorites, but Juve Stabia's never-say-die attitude ensures they will be far from a pushover.
Meanwhile, the other quarterfinal match saw Catanzaro take on Avellino in the later kickoff. That tie will determine the opponent for the winner of the other semifinal bracket, completing the lineup for the final stages of the promotion play-offs. The stakes could hardly be higher, with a spot in Serie A the ultimate prize.
For Modena, the defeat brings a bitterly disappointing end to their season. Having secured a top-eight finish and earned home advantage for this tie, they will rue a series of squandered chances, particularly in the second half. The inability to convert sustained pressure into goals will be a key talking point as the club reflects on what might have been.
The playoff format in Serie B is merciless, and this match served as a stark reminder that knockout football often hinges on fine margins. Juve Stabia's journey to this point has been marked by similar tight contests, and their ability to stay composed under pressure is becoming a hallmark of their campaign.
Attention now turns to Castellammare, where the first leg against Monza promises to be a fiercely contested affair. Juve Stabia will rely on their compact defensive structure and the counterattacking threat that has served them well throughout the season. With Zeroli's heroics fresh in the memory, they will approach the tie without fear.
Based on reporting from Tuttosport.
