Friday in Serie C`s Group C delivered a significant surprise: league leaders Benevento were defeated by Latina, a team positioned in mid-table. This setback puts the giallo-rossi`s top spot in serious jeopardy, with their “cousins” Salernitana poised to capitalize when they take to the field at home against Cavese on Sunday afternoon.
However, this slip-up doesn`t seem to overly concern Benevento`s coach, Gaetano Auteri. In the post-match interview, he praised his players, attributing the loss to a single incident and downplaying the impact of a potential penalty not awarded despite the VAR review. “The goal we conceded came from a misjudgment, but I have nothing to reproach my lads for,” Auteri stated. “They ran and fought with great commitment, and on such a challenging pitch, it`s difficult to express technical quality effectively. The only regret remains for the opportunities we couldn`t convert. Regarding the penalty? The doubt persists. Also, the refereeing on fouls wasn`t consistent, but I`m not looking for excuses; that wasn`t the decisive factor in the match.”
Conversely, Latina`s coach, Alessandro Bruno, expressed complete satisfaction: “I had asked my boys for a performance based on sacrifice and maximum concentration, and they were impeccable against what I consider the strongest team in the league. I am truly pleased with their performance. These are victories that can leave a mark on a season, as beating Benevento is no small feat. It`s a double satisfaction for us.”
SERIE C, Matchday 8 Results & Fixtures
GROUP C
Friday, October 3
- Latina-Benevento 1-0 (64’ Ekuban)
Saturday, October 4
- 2:30 PM – Atalanta U23-Foggia
- 5:30 PM – Crotone-Picerno
Sunday, October 5
- 2:30 PM – Casertana-Casarano
- 2:30 PM – Catania-Siracusa
- 2:30 PM – Salernitana-Cavese
- 2:30 PM – Trapani-Giugliano
- 5:30 PM – Team Altamura-Potenza
- 5:30 PM – Sorrento-Monopoli
- 8:30 PM – Audace Cerignola-Cosenza
Standings
| Team | Points |
|---|---|
| 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 8 points
* one game more
