CASERTA, Italy (Interstat) — Host Casertana opened its Serie C campaign with a 2-1 victory over Picerno on Saturday, overcoming an early deficit to secure three points at Stadio Comunale Alberto Pinto.

The match, part of the opening weekend of Italy’s third-tier league, defied a pregame projection from Interstat that had forecast a 1-1 draw. The same analytics system had given Casertana an 82.90 percent probability to win, a likelihood that appeared in jeopardy after a stunning start from the visitors.

Picerno struck almost immediately, silencing the home crowd in just the third minute. Forward Ivan Kontek found the net with an early strike, putting the visitors ahead 1-0 and setting a challenging tone for Casertana’s season debut.

Casertana, however, steadily grew into the match and found its equalizer before halftime. In the 41st minute, midfielder Leo Abreu Santos scored to level the match at 1-1, providing a crucial momentum shift heading into the break.

The second half saw increased pressure from the home side as it sought a winner. The decisive breakthrough came in the 76th minute when defender Matteo Casarotto scored, completing the comeback and putting Casertana ahead 2-1. Picerno was unable to muster a second equalizer in the closing stages, despite a spirited effort to salvage a point on the road.

The result gives Casertana an ideal start to the Serie C season, moving its league record to one win and no losses. Picerno, meanwhile, begins its campaign with a loss, its record now standing at no wins and one loss. The records across all competitions for both clubs are identical to their new Serie C standings.

The match was a showcase of resilience for the home side, which managed to overturn an early disadvantage against a determined opponent. The victory provides a foundation for Casertana’s aspirations in the league, while Picerno will look to regroup after a narrow defeat that featured a promising start but ultimately no points.

The Serie C season continues next weekend with both teams seeking to build on this opening result.