Avellino vs Scafatese

Russo's goal on the stroke of half-time was decisive. Scafatese had grown into the game after the equaliser and looked capable of containing Avellino, but Russo's moment of individual brilliance just before the break shifted the momentum decisively. Nesta's second-string XI was then able to manage the game without pressure, and Fila's late strike sealed a scoreline that reflected Avellino's overall superiority.

Raffaele Russo — the standout player on the pitch. His goal was the pick of the match, and his movement between the lines caused problems throughout the first half. Looks sharp in the early stages of pre-season.

Luca Palmiero — opened the scoring with a composed finish from range and dictated the tempo from midfield before being withdrawn at half-time as planned.

Daniel Fila — the Czech forward made an immediate impression, scoring his first goal for the club within 35 minutes of his second-half cameo. A promising start for the new arrival.

Player of the match: Raffaele Russo (Avellino)

As a pre-season friendly, the raw statistics carry limited weight, but the pattern of the match told a clear story. Avellino dominated the first half with their first-choice XI, creating the better chances and deservedly leading 2-1 at the break. The wholesale changes at half-time disrupted the rhythm, but the second-string side still created enough to find a third goal through Fila. Scafatese, organised and competitive throughout, were limited largely to counter-attacking opportunities and did not create a sustained period of pressure.

Avellino continue their pre-season preparations with a second consecutive win, following the victory over Castel di Sangro earlier in the week. Nesta is building fitness and testing combinations ahead of the Serie B season, which begins with home fixtures against Arezzo and Vicenza in the first two rounds (the calendar was released on the same day as this match). For Scafatese, the friendly offered valuable minutes against a side two divisions above them as they prepare for their debut Serie C campaign after promotion from Serie D.

A controlled and professional pre-season performance from Avellino. The first XI looked sharp, Russo is in excellent form, and Fila's debut goal will please the coaching staff. Nesta's squad rotation across the two halves gave everyone minutes and the result was never seriously in doubt after Russo's strike just before half-time.