ASD Team Altamura vs SS Monopoli 1966

"The opening fixture of the 2026/2027 Serie C Girone C campaign features a compelling Apulian derby as ASD Team Altamura hosts SS Monopoli 1966 at the recently upgraded Stadio Comunale Tonino D'Angelo. Both teams enter the league season on the back of encouraging Coppa Italia Serie C performances. Altamura pulled off an impressive 2-1 away victory against Foggia, demonstrating highly efficient counter-pressing and clinical finishing. On the other hand, Monopoli navigated a tricky penalty shootout to advance past Audace Cerignola after a hard-fought 1-1 draw. Tactically, Team Altamura, managed by Devis Mangia, has adapted brilliantly to a fluid 3-5-2 shape that transitions into a possession-based 4-3-3. Mangia has emphasized defensive structural integrity paired with quick lateral transitions to unlock opposing low blocks. With veteran forward Alessio Curcio leading the attack and distributing play, Altamura’s offensive xG has risen to an impressive 1.35. Their recent cup triumph highlighted their readiness to exploit defensive errors in high-pressure areas, which will be a key focal point against Monopoli’s three-man backline. Monopoli, under the leadership of Alberto Colombo, relies on a highly physical 3-5-2 system designed to choke the midfield space and feed direct balls to target man Mattia Tirelli. While they showed incredible resilience to secure progress in the cup, Colombo's side has struggled with possession retention, often registering under 45% when pressured. Defensively, Monopoli is prone to lapses out wide when their wing-backs fail to track back in time. Confronting a highly energized Altamura side playing in front of their passionate home support, Monopoli will likely resort to a low-block setup, aiming to hit the hosts on counter-attacks. Given the tactical matchups and current momentum, Altamura is expected to control the tempo of this match. Expect a tightly contested derby where Monopoli's physical approach keeps them in the game, but Altamura's superior midfield transition play and the lethal presence of Curcio should ultimately secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory for the home side."