Latina rewrote their history yesterday when securing promotion to the Serie B for the first time ever after a dramatic 3-1 extra-time win over Pisa in the second leg of their Prima Divisione ‘B’ promotion play-off.
After playing a key role in Latina’s Pro-Lega Coppa Italia success, Andrei Agius achieved another milestone in his career yesterday as the Rome-based club’s promotion to the Serie B capped another positive season for the Malta defender.
After a goalless draw in the away leg, Latina headed into yesterday’s game at the Stadio Francioni in a positive frame of mind but they fell behind after 16 minutes.
Andrea Barberis gave Pisa a dream start. From a free-kick, Rocco Sabato rolled the ball to Barberis who hit a swerving shot past Latina goalkeeper Giacomo Bindi.
Jefferson headed in the equaliser for Latina at the end of the first half.
No goals were scored in the second half and, five minutes from the end, Latina coach Stefano Sanderra sent on Agius for Andrea Giacomini.
Latina went ahead for the first time nine minutes into the first half of extra-time when Argentine Maximiliano Roldán Cejas converted a penalty after Pisa goalkeeper Luigi Sepe was sent off for a foul on Kolawoli Agoderen.
The home fans were in raptures at the start of the second half of extra-time as striker Salvatore Burrai sealed the win for Latina who had earlier missed a penalty.
Pisa finished the match with nine men following the dismissal of Sabato.
Agius, 26, was elated as Latina continued their amazing rise in Italian football.
“Before the game, I told my team-mates to remember where we were last year,” Agius said in reference to Latina’s promotion to the third tier of the Italian game at the end of last season.
“It’s only now that we are starting to realise the magnitude of our achievement.
“Last year, we managed to secure a historic promotion to the Serie C1 and next season Latina will play in the Serie B for the first time in the club’s history.
“It has been an extraordinary journey.”
Agius paid tribute to the character of the Latina players after they fought back from a goal down before sealing their win in extra-time.
“The result of the first leg gave us a slight advantage but the game was very difficult after Pisa scored in the 16th minute,” the Malta defender said.
“It was an uphill struggle for us but we kept our composure and refused to give up. The team’s fighting spirit has been rewarded.”
Latina’s promotion to the Serie B wraps up another positive year for Agius who last summer signed a two-year deal with the club after a string of influential performances in the latter part of the season.
“At club level, this was a very good season for me,” Agius said. “We have won the Coppa Italia (Pro Lega) and I played a prominent role in that success.
“In the league, I played more games than last season and I’m satisfied with my contribution. This has been the best year of my career so far.”
Agius is relishing the prospect of testing himself in the Serie B but he wants to savour Latina’s promotion before considering his future.
“First, I want to celebrate this achievement,” Agius said.
“I have another year left on my contract with Latina and my intention is to stay.
“I’ve worked very hard to reach this level in my career and I’m confident that I can prove myself in the Serie B.”
Promotion play-offs
Prima Divisione ‘A’: Lecce vs Carpi 1-1 (Carpi win 2-1 on aggregate). Trapani promoted as champions.
Prima Divisione ‘B’: Latina vs Pisa 3-1 aet (Latina win 3-1 on aggregate).
Avellino promoted as champions.