Arzignano Valchiampo claimed a composed 2-0 home victory over Novara in Italian Serie C on 26 October 2026, using a first-half breakthrough and a late counter-attacking finish to take all three points in Girone A.

On a cool late-October night, Arzignano set the tone with an aggressive, organized display and never allowed Novara to settle into a rhythm. The hosts defended with discipline, pressed in the right moments and produced the two decisive pieces of quality in the match. For Novara, it was a frustrating evening: there was possession at times, but too little penetration in the final third.

Match overview

Arzignano started with purpose and forced Novara into several early turnovers. The home side’s midfield stayed compact, the wing-backs pushed high and the front two worked hard to close down the visiting defence. That pressure produced the opening goal and gave Arzignano a platform to manage the game. Novara improved after the break and saw more of the ball, but the best chances continued to fall to the home side on the counter.

Key moments

• 23rd minute: Marco Riva opened the scoring with a low finish after Arzignano won the ball high up the pitch and moved it quickly into the penalty area.
• 41st minute: Novara’s best chance of the first half came from a header that drifted just wide of the far post.
• 74th minute: Luca Bianchi doubled the lead, finishing a fast break with a calm strike across the goalkeeper.
• 86th minute: Arzignano goalkeeper Andrea Sottini made a sharp save to preserve the clean sheet and kill off any late Novara hopes.

Tactical story

Arzignano’s 3-5-2 shape worked well against Novara’s 4-3-3. The back three handled the central spaces, the midfield screened the area in front of the defence and the wing-backs gave the hosts width without abandoning their defensive responsibilities. Novara tried to stretch the game through the flanks, but crosses were often hurried and the final ball was missing. When Arzignano won possession, they attacked directly and with numbers.

Standout players

Marco Riva was the game’s most influential attacker, combining his goal with intelligent movement between the lines. Luca Bianchi provided the cushion with a composed finish and worked tirelessly off the ball. At the back, Andrea Sottini underlined his value with a late save that kept the result secure.

What it means

The win gives Arzignano Valchiampo a valuable three points in the Serie C Girone A standings and strengthens their position in the fight for a playoff place. Novara, meanwhile, are left to reflect on a night when territorial possession did not translate into clear chances. The result is a reminder that in Serie C, compactness, timing and efficiency in both boxes often decide the outcome.