Cesena 1 : 0 Chievo - Jimenez spot on for Cesena

Posted Sunday, February 27, 2011 by PA

Luis Jimenez's late penalty earned Cesena a priceless 1-0 victory in their fight against relegation from Serie A.

The home side dominated the game but could not find a way past visiting goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino and looked as though they would have to settle for a point.

Davide Madelli's foul on Erjon Bogdani, though, allowed Jimenez to seal all three.

It was all Cesena in the first half, save for Sergio Pellissier's drive over the bar in the 14th minute.

Sorrentino had already easily saved Felipe Dal Bello's header, but he was tested more seriously by Fabio Caserta's 30-yard strike in the 28th minute which he parried to safety.

Alessandro Rosina's shot skimmed the outside of the post and Caserta headed wide from close range.

Luca Ceccarelli was the provider on the latter occasion and provided the cross once more when Bogdani headed narrowly over three minutes before the break.

There was no let-up in the early stages of the second half as Marco Parolo's fierce free-kick was repelled by the left foot of Sorrentino, who then easily gathered Mariano Bogliacino's left-foot shot.

Gelson Fernandes had a rare Chievo effort, Francesco Antonioli making a good save before he was called into action again by the same player, brilliantly smothering his close-range effort after a swift counter-attack.

But Madelli's aberration handed Jimenez his chance a minute from time and he made no mistake, slotting home low to Sorrentino's left.

The result lifts Cesena above Brescia into 18th place, still three points adrift of safety.