VICENZA, Italy – A raucous atmosphere at the Stadio Menti witnessed history on Saturday as LR Vicenza defeated Inter Milan U23, 2-1, securing promotion back to Serie B with an impressive six matchdays remaining in the season. The victory marks the culmination of a dominant campaign for the biancorossi, ending a four-year absence from Italy’s second tier.
Fabio Gallo’s side has consistently topped the Serie C standings, showcasing a remarkable run of form: 24 wins, 6 draws, and only 2 defeats, with a goal difference of +36 (56 goals scored, 20 conceded). This promotion has been a long time coming for the city of Vicenza, having narrowly missed out on promotion in previous seasons.
The match itself saw Vicenza accept control early, capitalizing on the energy of their home supporters. The breakthrough came in the 31st minute when a corner kick found Capello unmarked in the box, his header beating Inter goalkeeper Calligaris to give Vicenza a 1-0 lead.
Vicenza extended their advantage shortly after the restart. In the 55th minute, a cross from the right wing was met by the head of Stuckler, who powered the ball past Calligaris to make it 2-0. The goal appeared to seal the victory and ignite the celebrations among the Vicenza faithful.
However, Inter U23, coached by Stefano Vecchi, refused to surrender. A late surge saw them pull one back in the 66th minute through a surprising strike from Kamaté. His shot-cross from the right wing caught everyone off guard, including Vicenza goalkeeper Gagno, and found the back of the net. This sparked a tense final period as Inter pushed for an equalizer.
Despite Inter’s efforts, Vicenza held firm, defending resolutely to preserve their lead. The final whistle brought scenes of jubilation as players and fans celebrated a well-deserved promotion. Inter U23, meanwhile, will appear to break their nine-match winless streak as they continue their playoff push.
The match wasn’t without its moments of controversy. Both teams had penalty appeals waved away after review by the referee, adding to the drama of the encounter.
This victory represents a significant achievement for LR Vicenza, a club with a rich history in Italian football. The team’s consistent performance throughout the season has been a testament to the quality of the squad and the tactical acumen of coach Gallo. The return to Serie B will undoubtedly be welcomed by the passionate Vicenza supporters, who have eagerly awaited this moment for four years.
For Inter U23, the defeat is a setback, but they demonstrated resilience in the closing stages of the match. They will need to rediscover their winning form quickly if they are to challenge for a playoff spot.
The celebrations in Vicenza are expected to continue long into the night as the city revels in its team’s success. The focus now shifts to preparing for the challenges of Serie B, where Vicenza will look to establish themselves as a competitive force.
What’s Next: LR Vicenza will continue their Serie C campaign, while Inter U23 will aim to get back to winning ways in their next match as they pursue a playoff berth. Details regarding Vicenza’s Serie B schedule for the 2026/27 season will be released by the league in the coming months.
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