Match report
Cesena Secures Thrilling Comeback Win Over Mantova, 3-2 (Serie B)
Cesena
3–2
FT
Mantova
Dec 13, 2025
Cesena produced a remarkable performance in the second half to overcome a two-goal deficit against Mantova, securing a 3-2 victory. The match saw a rapid start for Mantova with early goals from F. Ruocco and F. Artioli following a penalty awarded. However, Cesena rallied strongly with goals from C. Shpendi and an own goal by Alessio Castellini before Gianluca Frabotta sealed the win late in the game.
Key Facts
- • Cesena 3–2 Mantova (Serie B)
- • F. Ruocco scored a penalty for Mantova at minute 17
- • F. Artioli added another goal for Mantova at minute 25
- • C. Shpendi pulled Cesena closer with a goal at minute 42
- • Alessio Castellini's own goal leveled the score for Cesena at minute 54
- • Gianluca Frabotta secured the win for Cesena with a late goal at minute 78
Lineups
Cesena
Formation: 3-5-2
Starting XI
- 33 J. Klinsmann (G)
- 15 A. Ciofi (D)
- 19 G. Zaro (D)
- 24 M. Mangraviti (D)
- 11 R. Ciervo (M)
- 14 T. Berti (M)
- 4 M. Castagnetti (M)
- 70 M. Francesconi (M)
- 99 G. Frabotta (M)
- 7 J. Blesa (F)
- 9 C. Shpendi (F)
Substitutes
- 1 A. Siano
- 16 P. Amoran
- 23 V. Magni
- 26 M. Piacentini
- 17 E. Adamo
- 6 T. Arrigoni
- 10 S. Bastoni
- 25 D. Bisoli
- 18 M. Guidi
- 29 S. Balde
- 32 M. Olivieri
- 13 R. Celia
Mantova
Formation: 4-3-3
Starting XI
- 1 M. Festa (G)
- 96 T. Maggioni (D)
- 27 A. Castellini (D)
- 29 S. Cella (D)
- 6 C. Bani (D)
- 36 F. Paoletti (M)
- 8 F. Artioli (M)
- 21 S. Trimboli (M)
- 23 T. Marras (F)
- 7 D. Mensah (F)
- 19 F. Ruocco (F)
Substitutes
- 22 L. Andrenacci
- 4 S. Mullen
- 53 T. Pittino
- 18 C. Falletti
- 20 G. Fedel
- 14 F. Galuppini
- 10 D. Wieser
- 99 N. Bonfanti
- 30 D. Bragantini
- 28 M. Caprini
- 11 A. Fiori
- 9 L. Mancuso
Timeline
-
16' Mantova Var · Penalty confirmedT. Maggioni
-
17' Mantova Goal · PenaltyF. Ruocco
-
25' Mantova Goal · Normal GoalF. Artioli
-
32' Mantova subst · Substitution 1Off: D. Mensah · On: N. Bonfanti
-
42' Cesena Goal · Normal GoalC. Shpendi
-
54' Cesena Goal · Own GoalAlessio Castellini
-
56' Mantova Card · Yellow CardF. Artioli
Foul
-
63' Cesena subst · Substitution 1Off: M. Castagnetti · On: E. Adamo
-
70' Mantova subst · Substitution 2Off: Cristiano Bani · On: S. Mullen
-
70' Mantova subst · Substitution 3Off: F. Paoletti · On: D. Wieser
-
73' Cesena Card · Yellow CardG. Zaro
Foul
-
78' Cesena Goal · Normal GoalGianluca Frabotta
-
80' Cesena Card · Yellow CardGianluca Frabotta
-
81' Cesena subst · Substitution 2Off: G. Zaro · On: P. Amoran
-
81' Cesena subst · Substitution 3Off: T. Berti · On: S. Bastoni
-
83' Mantova subst · Substitution 4Off: F. Artioli · On: C. Falletti
-
83' Mantova subst · Substitution 5Off: T. Marras · On: M. Caprini
-
90'+2 Cesena subst · Substitution 4Off: R. Ciervo · On: M. Guidi
-
90'+2 Cesena subst · Substitution 5Off: J. Blesa · On: S. Balde
Match Stats
| Stat | Cesena | Mantova |
|---|---|---|
| Fouls | 17 | 7 |
| Pass Accuracy | 89% | 88% |
| Offsides | 3 | 0 |
| Red Cards | — | — |
| Total Shots | 20 | 15 |
| Corners | 7 | 2 |
| Total Passes | 493 | 496 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 1 |
| Blocked Shots | 5 | 4 |
| Shots on Target | 8 | 7 |
| xG | 4.07 | 1.72 |
| Shots off Target | 7 | 4 |
| Possession | 50% | 50% |
| Goals Prevented | — | — |
| Accurate Passes | 437 | 436 |
| Shots Inside Box | 17 | 4 |
| Saves | 5 | 6 |
| Shots Outside Box | 3 | 11 |
Key Match Notes
- ▸ Mantova took an early lead after F. Ruocco converted a penalty and followed up with another goal from F. Artioli, putting them 2-0 ahead within the first quarter of the match.
- ▸ Cesena's comeback began in earnest with C. Shpendi scoring to cut the deficit in half at minute 42. The turning point came when Mantova inadvertently leveled the score through an own goal by Alessio Castellini, giving Cesena the momentum they needed.