If you have never heard about the Derby dell’Umbria between Perugia and Ternana it’s because it has never been played in Serie A. This regional derby puts against each other the clubs from Perugia and Terni, which are the main two cities in the region of Umbria in central Italy.
But while Perugia have had their glory years in Serie A, featuring players like World Cup 1982 hero Paolo Rossi and Japan international Hideyoshi Nakata, Ternana are yet to enjoy the stage of the Italian top-flight despite their 97 years of age. (But, they are currently leading the Serie B table, so who knows?)
On October 20, 1991, the two sides squared off at the Renato Curi Stadium in Perugia for what was set to be a thrilling edition of the Derby dell’Umbria. Both clubs were playing in the Serie C1 (the third of the Italian football pyramid) but had clear ambitions of promotion.
Coached by the veteran Roberto Clagluna, the Ternana Rossoverdi (red-and-greens) surprisingly took the lead with Argentine striker Cesar Gustavo Ghezzi and defended it until full time under a pouring rain despite playing with one man less in the second half due to a send-off.
It was the first time in 20 years that Ternana managed to beat Perugia at their home. Their win in the derby turned to be a good omen for the future as the Rossoverdi eventually got promoted to Serie B, while Perugia ended third in the group and missed promotion by one point only.
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