Brescia have assured themselves of another season in Serie A with this crucial victory. Verona's defeat at Piacenza means that Alberto Malesani's men will slip into the second division.

Three points were essential for both teams in achieving their objectives at opposite ends of the table. Brescia Assistant Manager Leonardo Menichini explained, "Bologna have a yacht and want to upgrade to a cruise ship. We just need to stop ourselves sinking."

Roberto Baggio made his first start since rupturing knee ligaments in February, but Pep Guardiola's season was over after suffering an injury.

Bologna had the first real opportunity on four minutes. Beppe Signori started the move but when Matteo Brighi's effort was parried, the veteran striker incredibly turned the loose ball wide.

Baggio seemed to be on fine form and inspired moves for his teammates. Luca Toni did well to turn with his back to the goal and clipped the near post.

Salvatore Fresi will leave Bologna this summer but went close to pushing them into Europe with a header that went just over the bar.

There was controversy just before the break when Toni appeared to be tripped by Zaccardo, but referee Pierluigi Collina booked the striker for diving. Baggio also brought a fantastic reaction save out of Gianluca Pagliuca.

The deadlock was eventually broken at the dawn of the second half when Jonathan Bachini ran onto a splendid Toni through ball and turned an angled drive into the far corner.

The tension rose in the Stadio Rigamonti and Baggio's free kick was tipped over the bar. The Divine Ponytail was brought down for a penalty and stepped up to take it himself. The first effort was saved, but he picked up the rebound to net this decisive goal.

The points were made safe by Luca Toni's late strike, although he may have been offside on Baggio's through ball.