FBC Gravina produced one of the most commanding attacking displays of the Serie D Girone H season so far, defeating Virtus Francavilla 4-2 at the Stadio Stefano Vicino on Sunday, October 4, 2026. In a match that kicked off at 21:30 local time, the home side combined ruthless finishing with energetic midfield pressing to secure all three points and strengthen their position in the upper half of the table.

The victory moved Gravina onto a promising points tally in the early weeks of the campaign, while Virtus Francavilla were left to reflect on a defensive performance that offered too many openings to a confident opponent. For a competition as tightly contested as Serie D Girone H, a two-goal margin of victory carries real weight, and this result will be remembered as a statement night for the hosts.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, Gravina set the tone. Coach Giuseppe Laterza deployed a high-tempo 4-3-3 designed to pin Virtus Francavilla back, and the visitors struggled to string passes together in the first twenty minutes. The deadlock was broken in the 12th minute when Antonio Lauria arrived late in the box to convert a low cross from Matteo Ruggiero. It was a goal that rewarded Gravina’s early pressure and set the pattern for the evening.

Virtus Francavilla responded with a spell of possession and equalised on 27 minutes through Cosimo Salatino, who calmly converted from the edge of the area after a neat exchange with Luca Giannone. At that point, the away side looked capable of turning the contest into a more balanced affair. However, Gravina regained the lead four minutes before half-time when Ruggiero latched onto a loose ball inside the box and fired past goalkeeper Alessandro Del Giudice.

The second half followed a similar script. Gravina extended their advantage in the 58th minute, Ruggiero again the scorer, before Virtus Francavilla pulled one back through a well-taken Giannone free-kick on 72 minutes. Any hopes of a late comeback were extinguished in the 88th minute when defender Francesco Serafino headed home a corner to make it 4-2 and seal the win.

Key Moments

• 12' – Goal: FBC Gravina 1-0 Virtus Francavilla. Antonio Lauria finished off a flowing move, converting Matteo Ruggiero’s cross from close range.
• 27' – Goal: FBC Gravina 1-1 Virtus Francavilla. Cosimo Salatino equalised with a composed finish after combining with Luca Giannone.
• 41' – Goal: FBC Gravina 2-1 Virtus Francavilla. Matteo Ruggiero pounced on a defensive clearance and rifled the ball into the bottom corner.
• 58' – Goal: FBC Gravina 3-1 Virtus Francavilla. Ruggiero completed his brace with a clinical first-time strike from the edge of the box.
• 72' – Goal: FBC Gravina 3-2 Virtus Francavilla. Luca Giannone curled a free-kick beyond the reach of Gianmarco Todisco to set up a tense finale.
• 88' – Goal: FBC Gravina 4-2 Virtus Francavilla. Francesco Serafino rose highest from a corner and powered a header into the net to restore the two-goal cushion.

There was also a moment of controversy in the 65th minute when Virtus Francavilla had a goal ruled out for a narrow offside call, a decision that frustrated the visitors but did little to alter the flow of the match. Gravina goalkeeper Gianmarco Todisco made two important saves in the final ten minutes to deny a late surge.

Tactical Story

Gravina’s success was built on midfield control. The trio of Antonio Lauria, Michele Guida and Francesco Serafino—who stepped forward from defence when required—consistently won the second balls and quickly turned defence into attack. Their 4-3-3 shape allowed the wide forwards to isolate Virtus Francavilla’s full-backs, and the visitors never fully adjusted.

Virtus Francavilla, by contrast, lined up in a 4-2-3-1 that looked to spring counter-attacks through Salatino and Giannone. When they did manage to break forward, they looked dangerous, but their defensive line sat too deep for long periods, inviting pressure. The decision to switch to a back three after the hour mark gave them more possession but left gaps in behind, which Gravina exploited for the third goal.

Laterza’s side also showed impressive game management. After Giannone’s free-kick reduced the deficit to 3-2, Gravina did not panic. They slowed the tempo, kept the ball in wide areas, and won the corner that led to Serafino’s decisive header. It was a mature performance from a team that appears to be growing in confidence with each Serie D fixture.

Standout Players

• Matteo Ruggiero (FBC Gravina): The forward was the clear man of the match, scoring twice and providing the assist for the ope