Saturday brought eight of eleven fixtures for Matchday 25 in Serie B and the story across the league was a lack of early offense. Only three goals were scored in all first halves combined, but a flurry of goals after the interval produced several dramatic storylines.
Bari picked up a massive three points at home against league-leaders Frosinone, ending a winless run of five matches. Former Aston Villa and Lazio man Libor Kozak produced the lone goal of the game with a close-range header (63’), his first league goal since December of 2013. The result puts Bari in fifth with 38 points on the season.
Empoli extended their scintillating form with a 2-1 result at Ascoli, their fifth straight victory. Serbian Rade Krunic got the visitors on the board in the 15th and Nikola Ninkovic doubled the lead in the 66th. Ascoli pulled one back late thanks to defender Ivan De Santis, potentially setting up a nervy final ten plus minutes. However, Empoli were able to hang on rather comfortably for the win. Stat of the day – the match only produced three combined shots on target, all of which were converted.
Avellino-Cesena produced plenty of late drama with the sides sharing the spoils in the end. The Lupi of Avellino dominated the affair and looked to have won it late through a Federico Moretti penalty. However, Cesena’s Daniele Cacia had other ideas and snatched an improbable 1-1 draw six minutes into stoppages with his third goal for the club.
The Stadio Silvio Piola played host to a 0-0 result between Pro Vercelli and Brescia, who are both hoping to avoid relegation. Vercelli looked the better side, edging their opponents in possession and chances created, but the clubs combined for a dismal one attempt on target.
La classifica aggiornata: @EmpoliCalcio nuovamente in vetta, aspettando il @palermocalcioit domani! 📈
Nella zona calda non si modificano le distanze! 👇#SerieB https://t.co/g6AZgaNpE2 #FattoreB pic.twitter.com/O6wny7Wqrn— Lega B (@Lega_B) February 10, 2018
