SudTirol vs FC Wacker Innsbruck: Wacker Wins 3-2 in International Club Friendly

FC Wacker Innsbruck secured a 3-2 victory over SudTirol in an entertaining International Club Friendly on Friday, 2 October 2026. The match kicked off at 17:10 and delivered five goals, with Wacker Innsbruck twice building a lead before holding off a determined SudTirol comeback.

For SudTirol, the friendly provided a valuable test against international opposition and a chance to sharpen their match fitness. For FC Wacker Innsbruck, the win was a confidence booster and a reminder of the attacking quality they can produce when their transition game clicks.

Match Overview

Wacker Innsbruck started the brighter of the two teams. Their high press forced SudTirol into a few early turnovers, and they looked dangerous every time they won the ball in the attacking half. SudTirol tried to settle the game with possession, but Wacker's compact defensive block made it difficult for the Italian side to find rhythm in the opening stages.

The game opened up after the first goal. SudTirol began to find space between the lines, while Wacker Innsbruck continued to threaten with quick breaks. The friendly format allowed both coaches to make frequent substitutions, but the competitive edge remained throughout.

Key Moments

FC Wacker Innsbruck took the lead in the 14th minute. A quick turnover in midfield sent Lukas Schuster through on goal, and he kept his composure to slot the ball past the SudTirol goalkeeper. It was a sharp, efficient counterattack that set the tone for Wacker's approach.

Wacker doubled their advantage in the 39th minute. After winning a corner, the ball was worked short and then whipped into the box, where Elias Havel rose highest to head home. SudTirol's defenders protested for a push, but the referee allowed the goal to stand.

SudTirol needed a response, and it arrived in the 58th minute. A patient move down the right ended with a low cross that Andrea Bianchi converted from close range. The goal gave SudTirol renewed energy, and they began to dominate possession.

The equalizer came in the 72nd minute. SudTirol's Matteo Riva collected the ball on the edge of the box, shifted it onto his left foot, and curled a fine strike into the far corner. At 2-2, the friendly looked set for a draw.

But FC Wacker Innsbruck had the final say in the 85th minute. A long ball forward was flicked on, and Mario Stefel broke into the box before finishing low across the goalkeeper. It was a clinical late goal and the decisive moment of the match.

Tactical Story

SudTirol used a possession-based approach, looking to build from the back and create overloads in wide areas. They improved significantly after halftime, when their midfield began to receive the ball on the half-turn and their full-backs pushed higher. The two goals came from exactly those patterns: a wide cross and a shot from the edge of the box after sustained pressure.

FC Wacker Innsbruck were more direct. Their plan was to press SudTirol's first pass, win the ball in midfield, and attack quickly. That strategy produced the opening goal and several other chances. Wacker also looked dangerous from set pieces, which led to their second goal. The late winner came from a simpler route: a long ball, a flick-on, and a composed finish.

Standout Players

• Lukas Schuster (FC Wacker Innsbruck): Opened the scoring and was a constant threat with his runs in behind.
• Elias Havel (FC Wacker Innsbruck): Scored the second goal and won several aerial duels in the box.
• Andrea Bianchi (SudTirol): Pulled one back and linked play well in the second half.
• Matteo Riva (SudTirol): Delivered a brilliant equalizer and grew in influence as the game progressed.
• Mario Stefel (FC Wacker Innsbruck): Came off the bench to score the late winner.

Match Facts

• Competition: International Club Friendly
• Fixture: SudTirol vs FC Wacker Innsbruck
• Date: Friday, 2 October 2026
• Kick-off: 17:10 local time
• Final score: SudTirol 2-3 FC Wacker Innsbruck
• Goals: Lukas Schuster (Wacker) 14'; Elias Havel (Wacker) 39'; Andrea Bianchi (SudTirol) 58'; Matteo Riva (SudTirol) 72'; Mario Stefel (Wacker) 85'

Season Impact

For SudTirol, the result will not define their campaign, but the second-half comeback showed the value of the friendly. The coaching staff will take positives from the improved pressing and the two well-worked goals, while also noting the need to defend transitions more carefully.

FC Wacker Innsbruck will be pleased with the attacking display and the ability to score three goals again