Vicenza-Inter U23 2-1: Lane Secure Serie B Return

VICENZA, Italy – Vicenza have secured promotion to Serie B with six matchdays to spare, defeating Inter U23 2-1 at the Stadio Menti on Monday evening. Goals from Capello and Stückler sealed the victory for Fabio Gallo’s side, sparking jubilant celebrations amongst the home supporters. The win confirms Vicenza’s return to Italy’s second tier after a 26-year absence.

The atmosphere at the Menti was electric, with 11,926 fans – including 796 season ticket holders and 9 away supporters – witnessing a pivotal moment in the club’s history. A comfortable temperature of 13 degrees Celsius added to the pleasant evening for supporters.

Match Details

Vicenza (3-5-2): Gagno; Cuomo (38’ Cappelletti), Leverbe, Sandon; Caferri, Zonta, Carraro, Pellizzari (33’ Vitale), Costa (38’ Tribuzzi); Stückler (18’ Rauti), Capello (18’ Alessio). Substitutes: Massolo, Basso, Cavion, Golin, Benassai, Vescovi, Talarico, Rada. Manager: Gallo

Inter U23 (3-5-2): Calligaris; Cinquegrano, Prestia, Alexiou (39’ Agbonifo); Amerighi (35’ Maye), Kamate, Fiordilino (17’ Topalovic), Kaczmarski, Cocchi (17’ Berencruch); La Gumina, Lavelli (17’ Spinaccè). Substitutes: Melgrati, Raimondi, Zanchetta, Bovo, Re Cecconi, David, Idrissou. Manager: Vecchi

Referee: Fabio Rosario Luongo (Frattamaggiore); Assistants: Nigri (Trieste), Tomasi (Lecce); Fourth Official: Pizzi; VAR: Posteraro.

Goals: 31’ Capello (V), 9’ Stückler (V), 21’ Kamate (I).

First Half – Vicenza Take Control

The first half saw Vicenza establish their dominance, culminating in a 31st-minute opener. Following a corner, Caferri played a short pass to Costa, who returned it to Capello. The midfielder then delivered a pinpoint cross for Capello to head home, sending the Menti into raptures. Prior to the goal, Pellizzari had a promising break for Vicenza, but his effort was thwarted by Calligaris.

Inter U23 struggled to find their rhythm in the opening stages, although they did create a few opportunities. A Costa free-kick was met with a header from Capello, but it was blocked by the Inter defense. Amerighi received a yellow card in added time of the first half.

Second Half – Promotion Sealed, Despite Inter Response

Vicenza extended their lead just nine minutes into the second half. A well-worked move involving Caferri and Zonta culminated in a superb cross from Zonta, which Stückler expertly headed into the net. The stadium erupted as the realization of promotion began to sink in.

However, Inter U23 responded in the 21st minute. Kamate crossed from the right, and the ball found its way into the net, though it appeared to be without a touch from any Inter player. The goal briefly threatened to spoil the party atmosphere.

Fabio Gallo made a series of substitutions, bringing on Cappelletti and Tribuzzi for Cuomo and Costa in the 38th minute, and Vitale for Pellizzari in the 33rd. Inter U23 also made changes, with Maye replacing Amerighi in the 35th minute, and Berencruch, Topalovic, and Spinaccè coming on for Cocchi, Fiordilino, and Lavelli in the 18th minute.

As the clock ticked down, the tension mounted. Alessio and Rauti replaced Capello and Stückler, to a standing ovation from the Vicenza faithful. In the dying moments, Alessio had a chance to extend the lead to 3-1, but his effort was saved. Despite the late pressure, Vicenza held on for a crucial victory.

The final whistle sparked wild celebrations amongst the Vicenza players and supporters. Players climbed the fences to embrace the fans, and the Sud curva erupted into a personalized chant for manager Fabio Gallo. Six minutes of added time were played, but the result remained unchanged.

Gallo Reflects on Historic Season

Speaking after the match, Fabio Gallo expressed his immense satisfaction. “It’s an immense satisfaction because you can see what Vicenza is,” he said. “Vicenza is something extraordinary, it’s a truly unique satisfaction, to win two championships in two years is something unique.”

Gallo pinpointed the first leg match against Inter U23 as a key moment in the season, when his team secured a 10-man victory. He also highlighted a match against Dolomiti Bellunesi, where he made six changes to the starting lineup, as a demonstration of the squad’s depth and quality. “Those are the games I love,” he added.

What’s Next for Vicenza?

With promotion secured, Vicenza will now focus on finishing the season strongly and preparing for life back in Serie B. Their next match is yet to be confirmed, but fans can follow official updates on the club’s website and social media channels.

The victory marks a significant milestone for Vicenza, ending a 26-year wait for a return to the second tier of Italian football. The celebrations at the Menti are sure to continue long into the night as the club and its supporters savor this historic achievement.