Taking advantage of the international break, FC Lugano played a friendly match on the morning of Wednesday 25 March at the Cadro training ground against AC Taverne, a Ticino-based side competing in the 1. Liga Classic. It was a useful test to maintain the team’s rhythm and intensity during a busy week, in which the coaching staff were able to give playing time to several players who had seen less action in recent official matches.
The Bianconeri got off to an encouraging start. After just four minutes, Alioski played a ball in from the right to Brault-Guillard, who finished well with a right-footed shot across goal to beat the opposition goalkeeper. The early lead gave Mattia Croci-Torti’s side a boost, but Taverne responded strongly, equalising in the 17th minute through Novoselskiy, who scored first-time from a cross delivered by Rexhepaj following a run down the right flank. Shortly afterwards, Johnatan Sabbatini, a former player for the opposition, put his side ahead: the Uruguayan midfielder, who wore the black-and-white shirt from 2012 to 2024, making 437 official appearances, found the net with a precise finish from the edge of the box.
In the second half, Lugano made several changes, bringing on the young players Ndiaye, Ajdin, Radic, Riva, Tiraboschi, Raffa and Piffero, whilst continuing to press hard for a goal. As the minutes ticked by, the Bianconeri increased the pressure and came very close to equalising, only to be denied first by the post after a shot from the young Raffa in the 70th minute and then by the crossbar following a header from Carbone two minutes later. At the height of their attacking efforts, however, Taverne capitalised on the spaces left open on the counter-attack and, in the 77th minute, Torricini scored his side’s third goal.
Regardless of the result, it was a useful training session to maintain sharpness and continuity of work during the break, allowing several players to get some minutes under their belts and regain match fitness. The team’s focus now shifts to the resumption of the league, scheduled for Saturday 4 April at Cornaredo against FC Thun.