Avellino Run Riot with 24-0 Friendly Victory Over Castel di Sangro

In one of the most extraordinary friendly matches in recent memory, Italian Serie B side Avellino dismantled Castel di Sangro of Serie D with a staggering 24-0 victory on July 19, 2026. The game, played at the Stadio Partenio-Lombardi, was a pre-season workout that turned into a one-sided exhibition of attacking prowess.

Match Overview

From the very first minute, Avellino showed no mercy. The hosts pressed high, moved the ball with clinical speed, and exploited a vast gulf in class between the two sides. By halftime, the score was already 12-0, with the second half following a similar pattern as Avellino's squad players pushed for even bigger numbers.

Key Moments

• First half: Avellino scored three goals inside the opening ten minutes, with winger Federico Dionisi netting a quick double. The floodgates opened, and the hosts continued to find the net from all angles—long-range strikes, set pieces, and sweeping team moves.
• Second half: Even with multiple substitutions, Avellino’s intensity never dipped. Striker Simone Mazzocchi, who came on at the break, grabbed a hat-trick in just 20 minutes.
• Record thoughts: While friendly matches rarely see such margins, Avellino’s performance set a club record for the largest victory in any competitive or non-competitive fixture.

Tactical Story

Avellino manager Roberto Breda used the game to test a high-pressing, fluid 4-3-3 system. His team’s movement off the ball left Castel di Sangro’s defense in disarray, with full-backs bombing forward and midfielders arriving late in the box. Castel di Sangro, overwhelmed from the start, could not string together passes and managed only two shots all game—neither on target.

Standout Players

• Federico Dionisi (Avellino): The 34-year-old veteran scored five goals and provided three assists in a masterclass of finishing and link-up play.
• Simone Mazzocchi (Avellino): The substitute striker netted four times in the second half, showing immense hunger even with the result already beyond doubt.
• Gennaro Acampora (Avellino): The midfielder dictated the tempo and contributed two goals plus a series of incisive passes that unlocked the visitor’s defense.

Season Impact and Context

While the result carries no weight in official standings, it will serve as a massive confidence boost for Avellino as they prepare for the upcoming Serie B campaign. For Castel di Sangro, the heavy defeat provides a harsh lesson ahead of the new Serie D season. Friendly matches are meant for experimentation, but few will forget the 24-goal avalanche that took place in this lopsided encounter.