Preview: Ascoli Calcio Visits US Pianese in Serie C Clash

ROME (Interstat) — Two sides seeking a spark to begin the new year will meet Saturday when US Pianese hosts Ascoli Calcio 1898 FC in a Serie C fixture.

The match, scheduled for Jan. 3, 2026, pits a home team looking to capitalize on its home pitch against a visiting squad aiming to convert recent draws into a decisive victory.

Ascoli (5-4-5) enters the contest following a scoreless draw with Campobasso FC on Dec. 21. That result extended a run of defensive stalemates for the club, which has played to three consecutive 0-0 draws in its last four outings. The lone exception in that span was a 3-0 victory over FC Forli on Dec. 8.

Despite the recent lack of goals, Ascoli has shown a high ceiling offensively this season, including a 5-0 rout of US Città di Pontedera in October. Their form on the road has been mixed, with a win, a loss and two draws in their last four away matches.

US Pianese (3-6-5) is also coming off a 0-0 draw, having split the points with Ternana on Dec. 21. Their season has been marked by inconsistency, with a notable 3-2 road win at FC Forli on Nov. 22 followed by a shutout loss in their next match. Pianese has struggled to find the net at home recently, failing to score in three of their last four home fixtures.

The statistical service Interstat projects a narrow 1-0 victory for the visiting Ascoli side in this matchup.

Historically, Italy’s third-tier Serie C league resumes play in early January following a brief winter break, making this contest a critical point for both clubs to build momentum for the second half of the campaign. Ascoli will look to tighten its grip on a potential playoff position, while Pianese seeks points to climb away from the lower reaches of the table.

Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. local time at Pianese’s home stadium.