Thrilling Comeback in Italian Cup: Bari vs. Crotone Ends in 3-4 Extra Time Victory Despite 0-0 Draw in Regular Time

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Bari Spring Cup Clash Ends in Penalties After Intense Contest

MODUGNO, Italy - A hard-fought Coppa Italia Spring preliminary round match between Bari and Crotone ended in a penalty shootout, with Crotone emerging victorious 4-3 after a goalless 90 minutes. The match, played at the Sports field 'S. Palmiotta' in Modugno, was a tense affair marked by high temperatures and an early injury that disrupted Bari's rhythm.

The game remained deadlocked after normal time, sending the contest to a penalty shootout.sassarini of Bari had his initial spot-kick saved by Crotone's keeper, while Valenza converted for the visitors. Spadavecchia and Sinopoli both scored, keeping the shootout level.Mundo put Bari ahead, but Ponziglione responded for Crotone.A missed penalty from De Tullio handed the advantage to Crotone, and Troiano's save sealed thier progression. Alonso Campagna scored for Bari, but it was too little, too late as Vrenna calmly converted to secure Crotone's win.the match was not without its challenges for Bari, who were forced to substitute Sidibe in the 23rd minute due to a shoulder injury. Michele Anaclerio's team battled through the heat and the setback, but ultimately fell short in the penalty shootout.

Lineups:

   Bari: Sanrocco, Campanelli, Carrieri, Polito (24' Stojanov), Soldani, Sassarini (C), Spadavecchia, Georgievski (7' Alonso), Martire (24' De Tullio), Sidibe (23' Virginia), Caputi (7' Mundo). Subs: Mezzapesa, Viziello, Emiliano, Legrottalie, De Lucia.
   Crotone: Martino, lo Monaco (38' Doppido), Valenza, Bianchi (C), Adam, Pierangeli, vrenna, Fiore (38' Del Male), Del Piano (17' Sinopoli), Terrasi (6' Troiano), Buonaccorsi (17' Ponziglione).Subs: Aiello, Ponte, Vannicelli.referee: Mr. Recchia (Brindisi section), assisted by Mr. Cantatore (Molfetta) and Mr. Colazzo (Casarano). Yellow cards were issued to Buonaccorsi and Bianchi. The match saw a good turnout of supporters in pleasant weather,with temperatures reaching 31°C.

What tactical adjustments led to Crotone‘s scoring surge in extra time?

The Match Recap: A Rollercoaster of Emotions

The Italian Cup witnessed a dramatic encounter between Bari and Crotone on August 21, 2025, culminating in a 3-4 victory for Crotone after extra time. Despite a goalless 90 minutes of regulation play, the match exploded into life during the additional 30, delivering a spectacle for football fans. This Coppa Italia clash proved to be a testament to the unpredictable nature of cup competitions and the resilience of both teams. The game was a key early-round fixture in the Italian Cup schedule,setting the stage for further exciting matches.

First Half Stalemate: Tactical Battle at Stadio San Nicola

The first half saw a cautious approach from both Bari and Crotone. bari, playing on their home turf at the Stadio San Nicola, aimed to control possession, but Crotone’s disciplined defense effectively stifled their attacks.

key Stats (First Half):

Possession: Bari 55% – Crotone 45%

Shots on Target: bari 2 – Crotone 1

Corners: Bari 3 – Crotone 2

The tactical battle focused on midfield dominance, with both teams vying for control. neither side managed to create any clear-cut chances,resulting in a frustrating 0-0 scoreline at halftime. Early Italian football analysis pointed to a potential deadlock if neither team altered their approach.

Second Half: Continued Frustration and Missed Opportunities

The second half mirrored the first, with both teams struggling to break the deadlock.Bari increased their attacking intensity, introducing fresh legs in an attempt to find a winning goal. Though, Crotone remained resolute in defense, frustrating Bari’s forward line.

Notable Moments:

65th Minute: Bari’s forward, Mirko Antenucci, had a golden prospect but his shot was brilliantly saved by Crotone’s goalkeeper.

78th Minute: Crotone launched a swift counter-attack, but their striker’s effort sailed just wide of the post.

The lack of goals led to growing tension among the Bari faithful, who desperately wanted to see their team progress in the Coppa Italia. The match seemed destined for penalties as the clock ticked down.

Extra Time Explosion: Goals Galore!

Extra time proved to be a goal-fest,shattering the earlier stalemate. Crotone took the lead early in the first period of extra time with a well-placed finish from their captain, marco Tumminello. Bari responded almost immediately, equalizing through a powerful header from defender, Valerio Di Cesare.

However, Crotone regained the lead with a stunning long-range strike. Bari refused to surrender, leveling the score once more with a penalty converted by Antenucci. Just when it seemed the match would go to penalties, Crotone struck twice in quick succession, extending their lead to 3-4. A late goal from Bari narrowed the gap to 3-4, but it proved to be a consolation.

Key Players and Performances

Marco Tumminello (Crotone): The Crotone captain led by example, scoring a crucial goal and inspiring his team to victory. his leadership was pivotal in the extra-time surge.

Mirko Antenucci (Bari): Despite the defeat, Antenucci showcased his goal-scoring prowess, netting two goals for Bari, including a penalty.

Crotone’s Goalkeeper: A standout performance, making several key saves throughout the match, particularly in the second half, to keep Bari at bay.

Tactical Shifts and Managerial Decisions

Crotone’s manager, Giovanni Stroppa, made a decisive tactical change at the start of extra time, switching to a more attacking formation. This proved to be a masterstroke, as his team capitalized on the increased space and scored three goals. Bari’s manager, Michele Mignani, attempted to counter Crotone’s attacking threat with defensive substitutions, but it ultimately proved insufficient. Football tactics analysis will likely focus on Stroppa’s bold move as a turning point.

Implications for the Italian Cup and Future Prospects

Crotone’s victory secures their place in the next round of the Coppa Italia, while Bari are eliminated.This result highlights the competitive nature of the Italian Cup and the potential for upsets. For Crotone, this win provides a critically important boost in morale and confidence as thay continue their campaign. Bari will need to regroup and focus on their league ambitions. The Italian Cup bracket will now be updated to reflect this result.

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