Gladiator 3-2 A.S. Andria Bat — Gladiator won a five-goal Serie D thriller at home on Sunday, September 20, 2026, edging A.S. Andria Bat 3-2 after a late goal settled a see-saw contest. The victory gives the hosts a valuable three points and adds another dramatic chapter to their season.

Match overview

Played under the lights in Serie D, the match pitted Gladiator’s energetic home approach against Andria Bat’s disciplined defensive shape. The visitors arrived hoping to frustrate, but Gladiator’s early pressure paid off. The game swung one way and then the other, with both sides trading goals in a tense second half before the home side found the decisive moment in the closing stages.

Key moments

• 12' — Gladiator opened the scoring through Francesco Esposito, who finished calmly after a low cross from the right.
• 34' — Marco Ruggiero doubled the lead with a header from a corner, putting the hosts in control.
• 58' — Antonio Del Prete pulled one back for Andria Bat, converting a penalty after a foul in the box.
• 75' — Michele Carbone equalised with a powerful strike from outside the area, silencing the home crowd.
• 87' — Luca Pagano restored Gladiator’s lead, reacting quickest to a loose ball in the box and firing home the winner.

Tactical story

Gladiator lined up in a 4-3-3, using width to stretch Andria Bat’s back four. The hosts pressed high, forcing turnovers and creating chances through quick combinations. Andria Bat adjusted after half-time, switching to a more direct approach and finding space behind Gladiator’s advanced full-backs. The equaliser came from that shift, but Gladiator’s substitutions added fresh legs in midfield and helped them reclaim control in the final ten minutes.

Standout players

Luca Pagano was the hero for Gladiator, not only for his late goal but for his relentless running in midfield. Francesco Esposito’s movement caused problems throughout, while Marco Ruggiero’s aerial presence was a constant threat. For Andria Bat, Michele Carbone was the standout, driving his team forward and scoring a superb equaliser.

Table and season impact

The win lifts Gladiator into a more comfortable position in the Serie D standings, while A.S. Andria Bat are left to rue a missed opportunity after fighting back from two goals down. The result underlines the competitive nature of the league, where home form can be decisive in the race for promotion and survival. Gladiator will look to build on this victory, while Andria Bat must regroup quickly ahead of their next fixture.