SASSO MARCONI, Italy (Interstat) — Sasso Marconi defeated Cittadella Vis Modena 1-0 Wednesday in a global football match that was decided by a late goal at home. The hosts scored in the 84th minute and protected that narrow advantage through the remainder of the contest. Sasso Marconi improved to 1-0 in this competition and 2-5 across all competitions with the victory. Cittadella Vis Modena fell to 0-1 in this competition and 1-2 across all competitions after being held scoreless.

The match remained without a goal for more than 80 minutes, as Cittadella Vis Modena tried to turn its attacking spells into a breakthrough. Sasso Marconi stayed compact and avoided conceding before the late breakthrough. The hosts defended in numbers and looked to counter when Cittadella Vis Modena lost possession. When the 84th minute arrived, Sasso Marconi found the only goal of the game. Cittadella Vis Modena had little time to respond and could not produce an equalizer before the final whistle.

Sasso Marconi’s win came after a series of previous matches. Before Wednesday, Sasso Marconi had lost 2-0 at home to Scandicci and 2-1 at USD Follonica Gavorrano. The team also dropped a 1-0 decision to Prato and a 3-1 decision to San Donato. Its earlier success came in a 2-1 road win at ASD Terranuova Traiana. The late goal against Cittadella Vis Modena gave Sasso Marconi a second win overall and a first victory in this competition.

Cittadella Vis Modena entered the match with two previous results this season. The visitors had beaten Pontedera 3-0 on the road before losing 1-0 at home to Correggese. Those results gave Cittadella Vis Modena one win and one loss in its previous two matches across all competitions, but the trip to Sasso Marconi ended without a goal. The defeat left the visitors at 0-1 in this competition and 1-2 overall. The visitors had scored three goals in a road win earlier this season, but they were unable to score in this one.

The first half produced no goals, and neither team found a way through before the break. Cittadella Vis Modena worked to create chances after halftime, but Sasso Marconi’s back line held firm. As the match moved into its final stages, the home side began to find more space. The reward came in the 84th minute, when Sasso Marconi scored the goal that separated the teams.

After the goal, Cittadella Vis Modena increased its push forward in search of a response. Sasso Marconi, however, managed the remaining minutes by keeping possession when possible and clearing danger when necessary. The visitors sent players forward in the closing stages, but the home defense did not break. The final minutes were played mostly in Cittadella Vis Modena’s attacking half, but Sasso Marconi kept its shape and cleared several deliveries. Sasso Marconi’s one-goal lead held until the final whistle, giving the hosts the result.

The victory gave Sasso Marconi a 1-0 record in this competition. Sasso Marconi also moved to 2-5 across all competitions. Cittadella Vis Modena remained without a win in this competition and fell to 1-2 overall. Cittadella Vis Modena was held scoreless in its first match in this competition.

Cittadella Vis Modena’s previous results this season included the 3-0 win at Pontedera and the 1-0 home loss to Correggese. Sasso Marconi’s previous results included the 2-0 home loss to Scandicci, the 2-1 loss at USD Follonica Gavorrano, the 1-0 home loss to Prato, the 3-1 home loss to San Donato, and the 2-1 road win at ASD Terranuova Traiana. Those results were part of the teams’ records before the match.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Cittadella Vis Modena 2, Sasso Marconi 1. Interstat’s ELO system had projected Cittadella Vis Modena with a 51.9 percent probability to win.