ASD Sterparo claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over SS Romulea in a lively Eccellenza Puglia encounter on Sunday, 6 September 2026. The hosts bounced back from an early challenge laid down by the visitors and produced a determined all-round display to secure their first win of the regional campaign. Sterparo’s solid organization and willingness to press forward ultimately made the difference on an afternoon when three well-taken goals kept the outcome in doubt until the final minutes.

Both teams arrived at the match looking to stamp their authority in the Puglia amateur top flight, where every point matters in the scramble for promotion, playoff places, and safety. Sterparo appeared the sharper side from the outset, moving the ball quickly through midfield and forcing Romulea onto the back foot. The visiting defense held firm through the opening exchanges, but the sustained pressure finally told before the interval. Sterparo broke the deadlock with a sweeping move down the right, finished calmly at the near post to send the home supporters into celebration.

Romulea did not retreat, however, and their patience was rewarded shortly after halftime. The visitors raised their intensity, equalizing with a well-placed header across goal following a precise cross into the box. The level score turned the match into a tense battle for control of midfield, with both sides trying to exploit space behind the opposition’s full-backs. Sterparo regained the initiative with a strong individual burst from their midfielder, who cut inside and unleashed a low drive that clipped the inside of the post before crossing the line. It proved enough to hold off a late flurry of Romulea pressure.

Final Score: ASD Sterparo 2, SS Romulea 1

Match overview

Sterparo’s energetic start gave them the early advantage, and they looked comfortable in retaining possession in the first half. Romulea’s strength on the counterattack kept the home defense alert throughout, but Sterparo’s central defenders were quick to snuff out danger. The winning goal came at a crucial time, as Romulea had begun to grow in confidence and looked the more likely side to take the lead for a brief spell.

With a vocal home crowd behind them, Sterparo’s response to Romulea’s equalizer was immediate and decisive. Rather than sit back after conceding, they pushed higher and re-established their attacking rhythm. That mentality proved decisive in what was a balanced encounter that could have swung either way.

Tactical story

Sterparo's formation prioritized compactness in midfield, allowing them to control the tempo and limit Romulea’s ability to play through the middle. Their wingers stretched the pitch and repeatedly delivered dangerous crosses, while the attacking midfielder created a constant link between possession and the forward line. Romulea, for their part, attempted to release their strikers in behind the home defense with early diagonal passes. They found some joy after the interval, but a lack of precision in front of goal cost them.

Set pieces also played a part in the contest. Romulea’s equalizer came from a well-worked corner routine, while Sterparo’s winning strike originated from a quick throw-in and decisive combination play. Such moments highlighted the importance of detail in amateur football, where matches are often decided by a single moment of quality or alertness.

Eccellenza Puglia standings and context

The result gives Sterparo their opening three points of the season, providing a morale boost in a league where regional rivalries are intense and the standard of competition is consistently high. Romulea, meanwhile, will look to regroup quickly after falling to defeat in what was a closely contested fixture. In Eccellenza Puglia, results against direct rivals can have a significant impact on the final table, so every game carries weight from the very start of the campaign.

Clubs in the division are competing not only for pride and local supremacy but also for the opportunity to move closer to promotion into Serie D. Early victories such as this one for Sterparo can build valuable momentum, while teams like Romulea know that a fast response in the next matchweek is crucial to staying in touch with the leading pack.

Looking ahead

Sterparo will aim to build on this positive result when they continue their league schedule away from home. The win gives their coaching staff plenty of encouragement entering a stretch where consistency will be tested. Romulea, though disappointed, showed enough promise in spells to suggest they can bounce back and challenge for points in their next fixture. With matches coming thick and fast in the Italian amateur calendar, both sides will have little time to dwell on this encounter.