PIANCASTAGNAIO, Italy (Interstat) — US Pianese opened its Serie C campaign with a 4-2 home victory over Ascoli Calcio 1898 FC on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at Stadio Comunale. The result defied a pregame projection that favored Ascoli.

Tommaso Milanese gave the hosts a 1-0 lead in the 35th minute. Andrea Silipo equalized for Ascoli eight minutes later. Pianese pulled away in the final 10 minutes, with Leonardo Bellini scoring in the 81st minute and Andrea Sodero sealing the win in the 90th.

Both clubs began their seasons with this match, making their official records 1-0-0 and 0-0-1, respectively. The final score surpassed the simulated projection of a 1-0 Ascoli win.