In the unpredictable theatre of Italian Serie C football, the curtains fell on Friday with a dramatic twist in Girone C. League leaders Benevento, cruising comfortably at the top, suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat at the hands of mid-table Latina. This unexpected setback has not only tightened the promotion race but has also handed a golden opportunity to their `cousins` (and often fierce rivals) Salernitana, who now have a chance to leapfrog them into pole position this weekend.
The Upset: Latina`s Tactical Masterclass Against the Leaders
The match, held on a Friday afternoon, saw Latina — a team not particularly known for giant-slaying this season — deliver a performance of remarkable resilience and tactical discipline. The solitary goal arrived in the 64th minute from Ekuban, a moment that sent ripples across the league and sent Benevento home empty-handed.
For Benevento`s manager, Gaetano Auteri, the defeat was merely an “episode,” a minor misstep on a challenging pitch. Post-match, Auteri lauded his players` efforts, stating, “The goal we conceded came from a wrong reading, but I have nothing to reproach the lads for. They ran, they fought, and on such a difficult pitch, it`s complicated to express technical quality. There remains regret for the missed opportunities.” However, a touch of professional frustration was palpable as he subtly hinted at refereeing inconsistencies and a non-called penalty despite a FVS (Football Video System) review, adding, “The doubt remains. Even on foul management, there wasn`t a uniform standard, but I`m not looking for excuses. This isn`t what decided the match.” A classic managerial tightrope walk, praising effort while quietly questioning external factors.
Latina`s Moment in the Sun: A Season-Defining Victory
On the other side of the dugout, Alessandro Bruno, Latina`s coach, was understandably buoyant. “I asked the lads for a game of sacrifice and concentration, they were commendable against the strongest team in the league. I`m satisfied with the performance. These are matches that can mark a season because beating Benevento isn`t for everyone. It`s a double satisfaction,” Bruno remarked, highlighting the magnitude of their achievement. Indeed, for a team navigating the demanding waters of Serie C`s mid-table, a victory against the league leaders can inject vital confidence and reshape their season`s narrative.
The Table Turns: Salernitana`s Chance to Seize Control
Benevento`s unexpected stumble at Latina now casts a long shadow over their grip on the top spot. With 16 points, they currently share the lead with Salernitana, who hold a game in hand. This Sunday, Salernitana will host Cavese, a fixture that suddenly carries immense weight. A victory for Salernitana would see them establish a clear lead, putting pressure squarely back on Benevento in what promises to be a thrilling battle for promotion.
Serie C, often dubbed the “third division of battles,” is renowned for its gritty nature, where passion often trumps pristine football. Every point is hard-earned, and upsets are far from rare. This environment ensures that the race for promotion, especially in a competitive group like Girone C, remains fiercely contested until the very last whistle.
Upcoming Fixtures & Current Standings (Girone C)
Matchday 8 Schedule (Selected Fixtures):
- Friday, October 3:
- Latina-Benevento 1-0 (64’ Ekuban)
- Saturday, October 4:
- 14:30 – Atalanta U23-Foggia
- 17:30 – Crotone-Picerno
- Sunday, October 5:
- 14:30 – Casertana-Casarano
- 14:30 – Catania-Siracusa
- 14:30 – Salernitana-Cavese
- 14:30 – Trapani-Giugliano
- 17:30 – Team Altamura-Potenza
- 17:30 – Sorrento-Monopoli
- 20:30 – Audace Cerignola-Cosenza
Benevento 16*, Salernitana 16, Cosenza 12, Catania 12, Casarano 12, Latina 11*, Casertana 11, Crotone 11, Potenza 11, Monopoli 11, Audace Cerignola 10, Picerno 9, Team Altamura 7, Foggia 6, Sorrento 6, Giugliano 5, Cavese 5, Trapani 4, Atalanta U23 4, Siracusa 3
N.B. – Trapani penalized by 8 points
* one game more
As the Serie C Girone C season unfolds, every match, every goal, and every decision becomes a potential pivot point. Benevento`s defeat serves as a stark reminder of the league`s competitive nature, while simultaneously setting the stage for a thrilling weekend as Salernitana seeks to capitalize on their rivals` slip-up. The race for promotion is officially heating up, promising more drama in the weeks to come.
