Benevento Edge Past Arezzo to Lift Italian C1 Super Cup

In a hard-fought contest at the Stadio Ciro Vigorito in the early hours of May 10, 2026, Benevento secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Arezzo to claim the Italian C1 Super Cup. The match, which kicked off at 02:30 local time, saw the home side grind out a resilient performance against a stubborn Tuscan opponent, adding another piece of silverware to their recent history.

Match Overview

The Italian C1 Super Cup, traditionally contested between the winners of the Serie C playoffs and the Coppa Italia Serie C champions, brought together two sides with contrasting journeys. Benevento, fresh from a strong campaign in Group C of Serie C, entered as slight favourites given their superior league form and home advantage. Arezzo, who had surprised many by reaching the final, proved tough to break down throughout the opening exchanges.

The first half was largely a tactical battle, with both midfields cancelling each other out. Benevento enjoyed the greater share of possession, but Arezzo’s disciplined 4-4-2 defensive shape ensured few clear chances. The breakthrough finally arrived just before the hour mark, and it proved decisive.

Key Moment

The decisive moment came in the 58th minute when Benevento’s attacking midfielder, Federico Ricci, latched onto a loose ball on the edge of the area. After a quick exchange with striker Giacomo Casoli, Ricci turned sharply and unleashed a low drive that beat Arezzo goalkeeper Tommaso Bianchi at his near post. The goal was a product of patience and a rare lapse in concentration from the visitors’ backline.

Tactical Story

Benevento manager Gaetano Auteri set his team up in a 3-5-2 formation, seeking to overload the midfield and use wing-backs to stretch Arezzo’s defensive line. The tactic paid off in the second half as Arezzo began to tire. For their part, the Amaranto relied on counter-attacks led by striker Matteo Minesso, but the hosts’ back three of Pastina, Capellini, and Rillo remained disciplined and well-organized.

Arezzo’s best chance came in the 72nd minute when a set-piece header from defender Lorenzo Polvani forced a fine reflex save from Benevento goalkeeper Alberto Paleari. The save effectively sealed the victory, preserving the clean sheet.

Standout Players

• Alberto Paleari (Benevento) – The experienced goalkeeper proved his worth with a crucial second-half save and commanded his area with authority.
• Federico Ricci (Benevento) – Scored the only goal and was a constant threat in the final third, earning the Man of the Match award.
• Tommaso Bianchi (Arezzo) – Despite the defeat, the Arezzo goalkeeper kept his side in the game with several important stops.

Season Impact

For Benevento, this Super Cup triumph adds to a growing list of recent successes and provides momentum heading into the 2026-27 season, where they will again target promotion to Serie B. Arezzo, meanwhile, can take pride in reaching the final after a remarkable run. The result extended Benevento’s unbeaten streak against Arezzo to four matches and confirmed their status as a dominant force in Italian third-tier competition.

The victory in the early-morning fixture was celebrated by a passionate home crowd and marks a memorable chapter in the club’s storied history in the Italian C1 Super Cup.