Poggio de Marinis 3-2 Heraclea: Home side holds on in five-goal contest

Poggio de Marinis secured a valuable 3-2 win over Heraclea in the Eccellenza Puglia, surviving a late onslaught to claim all three points. Marco Rossi and Alessandro Bianchi put the hosts two goals up, and although Heraclea fought back, a Luca Ferrari penalty proved decisive before a tense finale.

Poggio de Marinis started brightly and took the lead in the 12th minute through Marco Rossi, who finished off a well-worked move. Alessandro Bianchi doubled the advantage in the 34th minute with a powerful strike from the edge of the box. Heraclea responded after the break, Giuseppe Russo heading home in the 52nd minute to halve the deficit. But Poggio restored their two-goal cushion in the 70th minute when Luca Ferrari converted a penalty. Heraclea set up a nervy finish when Antonio Greco scored in the 88th minute, but the hosts held on.

Key Moments

• 12' — Marco Rossi (Poggio de Marinis) opens the scoring.
• 34' — Alessandro Bianchi (Poggio de Marinis) doubles the lead.
• 52' — Giuseppe Russo (Heraclea) pulls one back with a header.
• 70' — Luca Ferrari (Poggio de Marinis) converts a penalty.
• 88' — Antonio Greco (Heraclea) sets up a tense finish.

Tactical Story

Poggio de Marinis lined up in a 4-3-3 and looked dangerous from set-pieces, with their first two goals coming from well-rehearsed routines. Heraclea, in a 4-5-1, struggled to contain Poggio's midfield runners in the first half but improved after the break, pushing more players forward. The penalty was a turning point, and Heraclea's late goal made for a frantic final few minutes. Poggio's defence, which had been solid for much of the game, had to dig deep to protect the win.

Standout Players

Marco Rossi was a constant threat, scoring one and creating chances, while Luca Ferrari showed composure from the spot. For Heraclea, Giuseppe Russo and Antonio Greco were the standout performers, with Russo's header giving his side hope. Poggio's goalkeeper made a crucial save in the 90th minute to preserve the win.

Season Impact

Poggio de Marinis climb to fourth in the Eccellenza Puglia standings, strengthening their push for a promotion playoff spot. Heraclea remain tenth, still without a win in their last four matches. The three points continue Poggio's strong home form, while Heraclea will be encouraged by their second-half fightback. In the head-to-head, Poggio have now won two of the last three meetings. Next up, Poggio travel to a direct rival, while Heraclea host a mid-table side.