LIVORNO, Italy (Interstat) — US Livorno 1915 opened its Serie C campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over AS Gubbio 1910 on Friday, defying a pregame projection that had favored the visitors.

The match, played before a home crowd at Stadio Armando Picchi, was decided by a crucial goal just before halftime and sealed with two second-half strikes. The result handed both teams their first official records of the season in all competitions.

The first half offered few clear chances for either side, with the match appearing destined for a scoreless intermission. However, in the third minute of first-half stoppage time, Livorno broke through. Federico Marchesi found the net in the 45+3 minute, sending the home side into the break with a sudden and significant advantage.

The goal changed the complexion of the match, and Livorno emerged from halftime with increased confidence. Gubbio struggled to mount a sustained response, and the home side capitalized again as the game neared its conclusion. Luca Bonassi doubled Livorno’s lead in the 88th minute, effectively securing the three points.

Livorno added a final exclamation point in second-half stoppage time, netting a third goal to complete the comprehensive scoreline. The late flurry turned a narrow lead into a rout and provided a stark contrast to the pregame simulation from Interstat, which had projected a 1-0 victory for Gubbio. The same analytics service’s ELO rating system, however, had given Livorno a 57.40 percent probability to win, which proved far more accurate.

The victory gives Livorno an ideal start to its Serie C season, while Gubbio must regroup after a performance that yielded little in attack. Both teams now hold identical records in the competition and across all matches this season.

The match was the first step in what will be a long campaign for both clubs in Italy’s third division. For Livorno, the performance at the Armando Picchi will serve as a positive blueprint, combining defensive solidity with clinical finishing at key moments. For Gubbio, the search for its first goal and first positive result of the season begins immediately following this opening-day setback.