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The Stadio Mario Battaglini played host to the ‘Derby d’Italia’ on Sunday as Serie A Elite leaders Rovigo welcomed Petrarca.
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With just 25 miles separating the two clubs in northern Italy, it is a hotly contested derby with a 75-year history and almost 200 contests.
The hosts came out on top in their latest meeting, beating Petrarca 12-10 in the 178th clash between the two sides to maintain their lead at the top of the league with a ten point lead over the third-place visitors.
There is no clearer sign of the importance of this derby to its fans than the reaction to the win. Rovigo shared a video on social media of the players celebrating with a rapturous crowd, with flags waving and flares lit.
Take a look at the scenes:
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Head coach Alessandro Lodi said after the match (translated by Google): “It was a very difficult match. I want to congratulate Petrarca for playing a great match, I think the best this year.
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“We started badly, in the first half we were very tight, Petrarca had possession and territory. Between the first and second half I told the boys that the time had come to attack, they had spent a lot but achieved little. In the second half we managed to overturn the result, we had more clarity.
“We are happy for the public, the boys showed that they have a lot of heart and have the right mentality.”
Rovigo travel to take on fourth-place Valorugby Emilia in the next round, while Petrarca host seventh-place Rugby Lyons.
