MONOPOLI, Italy (Interstat) — In a stunning opening-day upset, Monopoli defeated favored Benevento 2-1 in a Serie C match on Monday, defying pregame projections and handing the visitors a season-opening defeat.

Playing before a home crowd at Stadio Vito Simone Veneziani, Monopoli overcame a significant statistical disadvantage to secure three points. Pre-match analysis from Interstat heavily favored Benevento, whose ELO rating gave them a 70.30 percent probability of victory. The firm’s game simulator had predicted a 1-1 draw, but Monopoli’s performance rendered those forecasts obsolete.

The match’s narrative turned decisively in the final minutes of the first half. Benevento, expected to control proceedings, found themselves under pressure as the half wore on. Monopoli striker Salvatore Longo broke the deadlock in the 38th minute, giving the hosts a surprising lead against the run of expectation.

That lead was short-lived, however. Just before halftime, Benevento’s Matteo Della Morte found an equalizer in the second minute of stoppage time, sending the teams to the break level at 1-1 and perhaps restoring a sense of order for the visiting supporters.

Any momentum Benevento carried from the late first-half goal was squandered in the second period. Longo struck again for Monopoli in the 68th minute, securing a brace and restoring the home side’s advantage. Monopoli’s defense then held firm over the final twenty-plus minutes, weathering Benevento’s attempts to find a second equalizer and clinching a memorable victory.

The result provides an immediate boost to Monopoli’s Serie C campaign, giving them a perfect start with one win and no losses in the league, mirroring their record across all competitions this season. For Benevento, the loss is a disappointing beginning, leaving them with an 0-1 record in both Serie C and overall for the young season.

The upset underscores the unpredictable nature of Italy’s third division, where pregame ratings and probabilities can be overturned by determined performances on the pitch. Monopoli’s victory, fueled by Longo’s two-goal performance, sets a positive tone for their season while handing Benevento an early setback to overcome.