Padova climbed to eighth place in the Serie B standings and into the playoff zone on October 27, 2026, defeating FC Südtirol 2-0 at Stadio Euganeo. The victory marks the team’s second consecutive win under Antonio Calabro, following a previous away win against Avellino that helped steady the club after two home losses.
Artistico and Capelli Seal Victory as Padova Rises to Eighth
The home side opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Artistico headed home a cross from Giunti past goalkeeper Wladimiro Plizzari, right in front of the home supporters’ curva. The opening goal was Artistico’s first of the season and the first by a Padova striker in the current campaign. Südtirol applied heavy pressure in the second half, but missed scoring opportunities before Padova sealed the match in the 87th minute. Substitute Capelli turned in a rebound after Plizzari saved a volley from Varas, a goal that stood following a lengthy VAR review.
Earlier in the first half, Veroli’s 25th-minute cross nearly caught Sorrentino off guard, before the Padova goalkeeper made a save against former player Vasic. Südtirol pushed further when Tronchin launched a counterattack at the 34th minute, setting up Davi for a scoring opportunity that was missed. Vasic also shot wide from distance in the 41st minute. After the interval, Südtirol sent on Burnete for Vasic, while Artistico had an attempt stopped by the visiting defense following a feed from Fusi. Pastina cleared a dangerous free-kick from Brik for a corner kick, and Veroli sent another off-target shot toward Sorrentino’s goal. As the match grew tense with several cautions and a brief scuffle between players, Padova utilized the spaces left by a visiting side hunting for an equalizer. The match officials included referee Edoardo Mazzoni of Prato, assistant referees Filippo Bercigli of Firenze and Matteo Gentile of Isernia, fourth official Andrea Calzavara of Varese, VAR Ivano Pezzutto of Lecce, and AVAR Alessandro Prontera of Bologna.
Calabro Adjusts Tactics While Squad Form Takes Shape
Antonio Calabro responded to earlier home defeats by tweaking his tactical setup, deploying a 4-3-2-1 formation that made use of Luca Moro’s defensive work rate and hold-up play while the striker seeks his scoring touch. The victory contrasts with Südtirol’s recent schedule, which included a home fixture against Sampdoria prior to the midweek trip to Padova. Calabro noted that the squad is gradually taking shape and showing the resilience required for the Serie B campaign.
The winning lineup featured Sorrentino in goal, supported by a defensive line of Dellavalle, Lovato, Pastina, and Cocchi, who was later replaced by Carissoni in the 70th minute. The midfield and attacking sections included Fusi—who made way for Galazzi at the 90th minute—alongside Zuelli, replaced by Capelli in the 32nd minute, Giusti, Moro, who exited for Seghetti at the 70th minute, and Pompetti, who gave way to Varas in the 32nd minute. On the opposing side, Davide Possanzini deployed Plizzari, Stivanello, Giorgini, Veroli, Molina, Brik, Tronchin, Davi F., Lopes, Vasic, and Okoro, with subsequent substitutions bringing on Burnete, Rispoli, Mixtur, and Zeroli. Cautions during the physical encounter were issued to Lovato, Cocchi, Fusi, and Capelli for Padova, alongside Okoro and Rispoli for Südtirol, with zero minutes added in the first half and seven minutes in the second.
Upcoming Fixtures and Standings Impact
With the 2-0 result, Padova enters the promotion playoff picture at eighth place. Meanwhile, Südtirol prepares to return to Stadio Druso to face Cesena. In other regional action, Lanerossi Vicenza suffered a defeat against Modena at the Menti.
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