Pomigliano defeated Pompei 2-1 in the Italy Amateur Eccellenza Puglia, with Antonio Russo’s late goal settling a fiercely contested local match.

Pomigliano and Pompei delivered a passionate and competitive encounter that reflected the intensity of the Eccellenza Puglia. The home side took the lead early, Pompei responded in the second half, and the match appeared to be heading for a draw before Pomigliano found a late winner to take all three points.

Pomigliano take early control

Pomigliano started brightly and opened the scoring in the 18th minute when Vincenzo Esposito found space inside the penalty area and finished with a low drive. The early goal gave the home side confidence, and they controlled the opening half-hour with patient possession and intelligent movement in midfield. Pompei struggled to settle, often losing the second ball and conceding territory.

Despite their dominance, Pomigliano could not add a second goal before half-time. Pompei’s goalkeeper made two important saves, and the visitors gradually grew into the game as the half wore on. Their midfield began to press higher, forcing Pomigliano into quicker passes and reducing the home side’s control.

Pompei fight back

The visitors equalised in the 56th minute through Marco De Luca, who reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box and guided it past the goalkeeper. The goal changed the atmosphere and gave Pompei a platform to push for a winner of their own. For a spell, Pomigliano looked rattled, and Pompei created two half-chances from set pieces.

However, Pomigliano regained their composure and finished the match strongly. Their substitutions added energy in wide areas, and the home side began to deliver more crosses into the penalty area. The pressure finally told in the 84th minute when Antonio Russo arrived at the near post to turn home a low delivery and restore Pomigliano’s lead.

Tactical story: set-piece pressure and late urgency

Pomigliano’s victory was built on a strong start and a determined finish. They controlled the first half through midfield possession, then responded well after conceding by raising the tempo and attacking with greater width. Pompei, meanwhile, were dangerous on the counter and from set pieces, but they could not maintain their momentum after equalising.

The match also highlighted the physical demands of the Eccellenza Puglia. Both teams committed fully to challenges, and the closing stages were played at a frantic pace. Pomigliano’s ability to stay calm under pressure and keep creating chances proved decisive.

Standout performers

• Antonio Russo (Pomigliano): Scored the late winner and gave the attack a focal point in the final third.
• Vincenzo Esposito (Pomigliano): Opened the scoring with a composed finish and linked play well.
• Marco De Luca (Pompei): His equaliser brought the visitors back into the contest and sparked their best spell.
• Pompei goalkeeper: Made several important saves to keep his side level for long periods.

What the result means

The three points are valuable for Pomigliano in the Eccellenza Puglia table and provide momentum for the next round of fixtures. For Pompei, the late defeat is difficult to take after a battling second-half display, but their response after going behind showed character. In a league where local rivalries and tight margins shape the season, a late winner like Russo’s can carry significance well beyond a single afternoon.