ENGLISH VERSION | Johnsen rescues Palermo as Avellino threaten to spring an upset

Palermo were held to a 1-1 draw by Avellino at the Partenio-Lombardi on Sunday but remain at the summit of Serie B, now level on 10 points with Mantova after four matches. The result preserves Palermo’s unbeaten start to the season, while Avellino remain three points behind the leaders after a spirited display in front of their home supporters.

It was a game of two distinct halves. The opening period was cautious and heavily tactical, with neither side willing to commit too many players forward. The second half brought greater intensity, with both teams eventually finding the net and pushing for a winner.

Palermo, missing several players, sought to control the game through possession, while Avellino were content to sit deeper and threaten on the counter-attack. Chances were at a premium. In the fourth minute, Martinelli reacted sharply to deny Vavassori from close range after Augello had delivered a dangerous cross.

Avellino responded with another good opportunity before the break, but Fortin produced an excellent save in the 37th minute to keep out Pandolfi’s header following Palumbo’s free-kick.

The match opened up after half-time and Avellino struck first. Sixteen minutes into the second half, Russo broke quickly on the counter, beating Bani before cutting the ball back towards Cheddira. With the goal in front of him, the striker made no mistake from a central position, giving the hosts the lead.

Palermo’s response was immediate. Just two minutes later, Pohjanpalo produced an incisive pass into the area for Johnsen, who took the opportunity with precision, guiding a right-footed finish into the top corner beyond Martinelli’s reach.

The equaliser transformed the final stages into an increasingly open contest. Both sides pushed for the decisive goal, with Palermo coming close through Gabrielloni and Palumbo before Izzo made a crucial intervention to snuff out the danger.

Avellino, however, finished strongly, and Fortin became the central figure. In the eighth minute of stoppage time he made a superb close-range save to deny Cheddira, before producing another important intervention against Biasci. Moments later, the Palermo goalkeeper showed considerable courage to come off his line and dive at the feet of the advancing striker, preventing what could have been a late winner.

The final whistle confirmed a draw that ultimately reflected the balance of the contest. Palermo leave Avellino with a valuable point from a difficult away fixture and retain their place at the top of Serie B alongside Mantova.

For Avellino, the result takes them to seven points and keeps them within touching distance of the leading group. Palermo, meanwhile, can take satisfaction from another unbeaten performance as their early-season challenge gathers momentum.