The league resumes for Ravenna FC, which will be engaged in a match against Prato on Sunday, January 5th, at 14:30 at the “Lungobisenzio” stadium. A game that pits two teams in excellent form, ready to battle and start the new year in the best possible way.

Prato, coached by Marco Mariotti, who replaced Maurizio Ridolfi, presents itself as a formidable opponent, especially at home. The Tuscan team remains unbeaten at home since Mariotti took over the coaching role and boasts a very solid defense, having conceded no goals in the last five matches. With experienced players like Remedi, Conson, and Barbuti, Prato remains one of the teams to be cautious of and does not reflect its current position in the standings, where it sits in eighth place.
Ravenna FC, coming off an important victory over Progresso that closed the calendar year, will have several key players returning. Lo Bosco and Rrapaj are back in the squad, while Rossetti and Milan, both previously suspended, will also be available to coach Marchionni. Good news for Mereghetti, who has returned to training with the team and is aiming to regain his best form, while Mauthe and Nappello remain sidelined.

After the great comeback in the standings, which began with Marco Marchionni’s arrival as head coach, Ravenna FC now finds itself just one point behind the league leaders, Forlì. An exciting chase that renews the distance rivalry with the Galletti, making every match crucial to keep the pressure on the top spot.

The match will be accompanied by a great atmosphere of support. The yellow and red fans are particularly invested in this game, given the rivalry with the Prato supporters, and are expected to fill the away section of the Lungobisenzio stadium, showing their strong attachment to the team. A crucial boost for Marchionni’s players, who will be called to give their best in this much-anticipated clash.

Ravenna approached the match with the intent to impose their style of play, despite the challenging pitch conditions hindering the technical abilities of the giallorossi. The first major chance came in the 18th minute: D’Orsi set up Manuzzi, whose diving header forced a miraculous save from Cheli, with the ball hitting the post. Just three minutes later, Venturini coordinated with Biagi and narrowly missed the goal with a curling shot that went just wide.
The first half ended without any further significant actions, with Progresso well-organized defensively and Ravenna holding control but struggling to find space.
In the second half, Ravenna regained control, attacking on the more favorable half of the field. In the 12th minute, the decisive goal arrived: Manuzzi found Biagi’s well-timed run, and he finished with precision. Marchionni’s men continued to push for a second goal, leaving Progresso with only a few timid set-piece attempts, which were easily handled by the giallorossi defense.
In the 75th minute, Guida broke away on a counter-attack and provided a golden assist to Lordkipanidze, but the latter failed to finish. Shortly after, Guida himself struck the post with a diagonal shot that would have sealed the match. In the final moments, Fresia made a brilliant save from a header by Progresso, preserving the lead and preventing an undeserved equalizer.
With this victory, Ravenna closed the first half of the season with 38 points, consolidating their second-place position and narrowing the gap to just one point behind leaders Forlì.

Tomorrow afternoon, Ravenna FC will take the field at the “Benelli” to face Progresso in the last match of the first half of the season.

A delicate challenge for the giallorossi, who are forced to deal with numerous absences: Milan and Rossetti are suspended, while Nappello, Mereghetti, Mauthe, and Drappelli are unavailable due to injury. Rrapaj’s condition is yet to be assessed. Coach Marchionni’s team will need to rely on a high-level collective performance to continue their positive run and finish the first half of the season in the best possible way.

The opponent, Progresso, is a team coached by Davide Marchini that is currently enjoying a good run of form. Starting with the goal of securing survival, the Bologna-based side is currently out of the relegation zone, thanks to a solid defense that compensates for some difficulties in front of goal. Among the players to watch are two former Ravenna youth products: striker Maltoni, who has scored three goals in the league, and defender Stellacci, both ready to shine against their ex team.

The match will also have a special meaning from a solidarity perspective. Ravenna FC will wear the Santa Claus Special Edition Kit, a Christmas-themed jersey designed to raise funds for communities affected by the floods in Romagna. The jerseys will be auctioned off at the end of the match, with the proceeds fully dedicated to this cause. Additionally, the club has launched an initiative for families: a parent and child who come to the stadium wearing a Santa hat will pay only 1 euro each for their ticket, offering a chance to share the excitement of the game together.

The kick-off is scheduled for 14:30. Coach Marchionni’s team will aim to deliver another high-level performance, maintaining focus and closing the first half of the season with a win.