Latina Calcio 1932 claimed a convincing 2-0 victory over Atalanta U23 in their Serie C fixture at the Stadio Domenico Francioni on Wednesday, 14 October 2026. Goals from Lorenzo Persichini and second-half substitute Manuel Nocciolini gave the hosts a fully deserved three points in front of a lively home support, ending Atalanta U23's recent unbeaten run in the league.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, Latina Calcio 1932 set the tone with a compact, aggressive approach that denied Atalanta U23 the time and space they usually enjoy in midfield. The visitors, true to their development-side identity, tried to play out from the back and circulate possession, but they struggled to turn promising spells into clear chances.

The decisive moment of the first half arrived in the 34th minute. After a series of corners, Latina captain Riccardo Gatti flicked on a delivery at the near post, and Lorenzo Persichini reacted quickest to stab the ball home from close range. It was a goal that reflected the home side's set-piece work and their willingness to attack the second ball.

Atalanta U23 responded with a brief surge before half-time, forcing Matteo Cardinali into a smart low save, but Latina went into the break with a narrow and deserved lead. The second half followed a similar pattern: the visitors had more of the ball, while Latina looked dangerous every time they won it back in transition.

Key Moments

• 12th minute: Atalanta U23's Matteo Colombo curled a left-footed effort just wide after cutting in from the right flank.
• 34th minute: Latina took the lead when Lorenzo Persichini scored from close range following a well-worked corner.
• 45+1 minute: Matteo Cardinali produced a strong save to deny Atalanta U23 an equaliser before the interval.
• 58th minute: Latina defender Emanuele De Santis blocked a goal-bound shot inside the six-yard box, a moment that kept the momentum with the hosts.
• 78th minute: Substitute Manuel Nocciolini doubled the lead, finishing a fast counter-attack after Andrea Cittadino won possession in midfield.
• 90+3 minute: Latina saw out the closing stages comfortably to secure a clean sheet and all three points.

Tactical Story

Latina Calcio 1932 lined up in a disciplined 4-4-2 that became a 4-5-1 out of possession, with the wide midfielders dropping deep to protect the full-backs. That structure limited Atalanta U23's ability to isolate their wingers in one-on-one situations. When the visitors did manage to progress into the final third, they were met by a wall of blue-and-white shirts and were often forced into low-percentage crosses.

Atalanta U23 dominated possession for long stretches, finishing the match with a higher share of the ball, but their build-up was too slow to truly unsettle Latina. The young side's midfield trio looked comfortable in circulation, yet the final pass was repeatedly delayed, allowing Latina to reset their defensive block. The visitors also struggled with Latina's physicality on set pieces, which ultimately produced the opening goal.

In the second half, Latina became more direct. They allowed Atalanta U23 to push their full-backs higher and then attacked the space behind with quick vertical passes. The second goal was a perfect example: Cittadino read a loose touch in midfield, drove forward, and released Nocciolini, who kept his composure to finish low past the goalkeeper. It was a mature, game-managing performance from the home side.

Standout Players

Lorenzo Persichini (Latina Calcio 1932): The forward's movement in the box was excellent throughout, and his first-half goal was the reward for repeatedly attacking the space between Atalanta U23's centre-backs. He also held the ball up well, allowing his team to relieve pressure.

Riccardo Gatti (Latina Calcio 1932): The captain led by example at the heart of defence. His flick-on created the opening goal, and defensively he won several important aerial duels and made a crucial clearance in the second half.

Andrea Cittadino (Latina Calcio 1932): The midfielder was the engine of the team, breaking up play and driving forward with purpose. His assist for the second goal capped a complete performance.

Matteo Colombo (Atalanta U23): The young winger was the visitors' most dangerous outlet, especially in the first half, but he lacked support in the final third. His direct running asked questions of Latina's full-backs.

Pietro Rizzo (Atalanta U23): The goalkeeper could do little about either goal and made a string of saves to keep the score respectable, including a fine stop from Persichini in the 63rd minute.

What the Result Means in the Seri