AZ Picerno ASD claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory over Audace Cerignola in a tightly contested Italian Serie C encounter at the Stadio Donato Curcio on September 26, 2026. A late goal from substitute Antonio Esposito sent the home crowd into raptures and handed Picerno a vital three points in their push for a playoff spot.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, both sides showed why they are considered among the most organized teams in Serie C Girone C. Picerno, playing in front of their passionate supporters, looked to impose themselves early, while Cerignola sat deep and looked to hit on the counter. The first half was a tactical battle, with few clear-cut chances, but the deadlock was broken in the 23rd minute when Picerno's leading scorer, Marco Russo, latched onto a through ball and slotted calmly past the visiting goalkeeper.

Cerignola responded well and equalized just before the hour mark. A surging run into the box drew a foul, and Luca Bianchi converted the resulting penalty to level the score. The game seemed to be heading for a draw, but Picerno kept pushing and found a winner in the 88th minute. Esposito, who had come off the bench only ten minutes earlier, rose highest to meet a corner and powered a header into the net.

Key Moments

• 23' – Marco Russo opens the scoring for Picerno with a composed finish.
• 57' – Luca Bianchi equalizes for Cerignola from the penalty spot.
• 88' – Antonio Esposito heads home the winner for Picerno.
• 90+3' – Cerignola's last-ditch free-kick sails just over the bar.

Tactical Story

Picerno set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their full-backs pushing high to stretch Cerignola's defense. The midfield trio controlled possession, but Cerignola's compact 4-4-2 made it difficult to find gaps. After the equalizer, the Picerno manager switched to a more direct approach, bringing on Esposito for extra height in the box. That decision proved decisive as the substitute's physical presence unsettled the Cerignola backline.

Standout Players

Marco Russo was a constant threat for Picerno, not only for his goal but also for his link-up play. In midfield, captain Alessandro De Cristofaro dictated the tempo and won several crucial tackles. For Cerignola, Luca Bianchi was their most dangerous outlet, and his penalty was expertly taken. Goalkeeper Giovanni Esposito made several fine saves to keep the score respectable.

Season Impact

The win lifts AZ Picerno ASD into the playoff places in Serie C Girone C, boosting their confidence ahead of a tricky run of fixtures. For Audace Cerignola, it is a frustrating defeat that leaves them hovering just above the relegation playout zone. Both teams will now turn their attention to next week's matches, with Picerno looking to build momentum and Cerignola desperate to stop the slide.