AC Monopoli claimed a valuable 1-0 away win at Casarano in Italian Serie C, with Francesco Grandolfo’s second-half goal settling a tight and often scrappy contest. The result gives Monopoli a welcome boost in their push for a playoff place, while Casarano remain rooted in the lower half of the table after another frustrating home defeat.

Match Overview

• Competition: Italian Serie C
• Fixture: Casarano vs AC Monopoli
• Date: September 28, 2026
• Venue: Stadio Giuseppe Capozza, Casarano
• Final score: Casarano 0-1 AC Monopoli

Key Moments

The first half produced few clear chances, with both sides struggling to find rhythm on a dry pitch. Casarano had the ball in the net early on, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Monopoli grew into the game and went close with a header from a corner before the break. The decisive moment came in the 55th minute when Grandolfo found space at the near post and flicked a low cross past the Casarano goalkeeper.

Casarano pushed for an equaliser and forced a series of late corners, but Monopoli’s defence held firm. The home side’s best chance fell to their striker in the 84th minute, but he dragged his shot wide from a promising position, summing up a frustrating night for the hosts.

Tactical Story

Monopoli set up in a compact 4-3-1-2, looking to deny Casarano space in central areas and force them wide. That strategy worked well, as Casarano’s crosses were repeatedly cleared by a dominant Monopoli centre-back pairing. Going forward, Monopoli looked to isolate Grandolfo one-on-one and get runners beyond him, which led to the winning goal.

Casarano, playing a 4-2-3-1, enjoyed more possession but lacked penetration. Their attacking midfielders drifted inside too often, making it easy for Monopoli to defend. The hosts also struggled with the physicality of Monopoli’s midfield, losing too many second balls.

Standout Players

Grandolfo was the match-winner for Monopoli, and his movement throughout the game caused problems for the Casarano defence. The Monopoli goalkeeper was also excellent, making two important saves in the second half to preserve the clean sheet. For Casarano, the left-back was their most consistent performer, getting forward well and delivering several dangerous crosses, but he was let down by the finishing of his teammates.

Season Impact

This victory keeps AC Monopoli firmly in the hunt for a Serie C playoff spot, and it extends their unbeaten run on the road. Casarano, meanwhile, remain in a relegation battle and will need to start converting possession into goals if they are to climb the table. The two teams will meet again in Monopoli later in the season, and that match could be crucial for both clubs’ ambitions.