CROTONE, Italy (Interstat) — Crotone opened its Serie C campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over Potenza Calcio on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at Stadio Ezio Scida, a result that aligned closely with pre-match projections.

The home side controlled the tempo for much of the contest and broke through just before halftime. In the 42nd minute, forward Matteo Maggio found the net to give Crotone a 1-0 lead, settling the nerves of the home supporters and sending his team into the break with momentum.

That momentum carried directly into the second half. Just seven minutes after the restart, in the 52nd minute, Davide Di Pasquale doubled Crotone’s advantage with a well-taken goal. The two-goal cushion effectively sealed the match, as Potenza Calcio struggled to mount a consistent offensive threat throughout the afternoon.

The visiting side from Basilicata never managed to seriously challenge Crotone’s defensive line, finishing the match without a goal. The clean sheet underscored a dominant defensive performance from the home team, which limited Potenza’s opportunities and comfortably saw out the victory.

The outcome was largely anticipated by statistical models. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a 2-1 win for Crotone, making the actual scoreline slightly more favorable for the hosts. Furthermore, the organization’s ELO rating system had given Crotone a 67.40 percent probability of winning the match prior to kickoff.

With the result, Crotone begins its season in Italy’s third-tier Serie C with a perfect record of one win and no losses, earning a crucial three points at home. The club’s overall record across all competitions also moves to 1-0-0.

For Potenza Calcio, the loss marks a disappointing start to its Serie C season. The team’s record in the competition falls to 0-1-0, mirroring its overall record of zero wins and one loss across all matches this season. The club will look to regroup and find its attacking form after being shut out on the road.

The match was a straightforward affair for Crotone, which executed its game plan efficiently to secure all three points. The early-season victory provides a solid foundation for the Calabrian side as it aims for a successful campaign in the competitive Serie C league.