Lugano U21's first victory of the new calendar year came in a long away trip to Canton Vaud, where they won 3-1 against Vevey-Sports.
The return of Yassin Sbai, back from suspension, is the main change to the starting eleven proposed by coach Andrea Vitali, who entrusts the keys to the attack to David Piffero, supported by the creativity of attacking midfielders Jason Parente and Christian Raffa. With this in mind, the young Bianconeri approached the eagerly awaited and important match under the late afternoon sun on Saturday at the Stade de Copet in Vevey.
The bottom team started the match in a very physical manner, while the Ticino side tried, as usual, to manoeuvre with quick passing and an attacking approach. Seven minutes into the game, Parente's corner kick provided the first opportunity for the visitors. Aleksandar Radić's header went just over the bar. This episode preceded the opening goal eight minutes later, scored with a fine low diagonal shot by Yuri Peverelli. Barely a hundred seconds later, Piffero won a penalty after being brought down by the home side's goalkeeper Quentin Manteau. From the spot, Milad Amirzade remained cool and doubled the lead with a chip shot. The attitude shown by the boys was such that they controlled
the game without any particular difficulty. Diego Mina's first significant intervention came on the half-hour mark, when the young goalkeeper confidently saved a dangerous shot from the edge of the area. As the half-time whistle approached, an interesting attempt by Raffa missed the target by a matter of centimetres. After two minutes of added time, due to a few too many interruptions, referee Pierre Collart blew the whistle to end the first half, with the visitors deservedly leading by two goals.
The second half couldn't have started better. From a corner on the left, Ilija Maslarov tripled the lead with a header into the bottom corner from close range. It was a fitting reward for a team that had thoroughly understood the mistakes made in recent games, particularly against Breitenrain, and was finally being rewarded for its efforts on the pitch. The defensive solidity, confirmed by Mina's save on Séroj Titizian's right-footed shot in the 57th minute, is the most pleasing aspect. In addition, of course, to the creativity and reliability of a rediscovered attack.
The remaining minutes, abundant and open to any outcome, bring a sensational but clumsy own goal by Rron Krueziu, which makes the end of the match more exciting. However, this was a one-off incident, as - apart from the sending-off of Rejan Thaçi (who was booked along with Ian Tiraboschi and then naively applauded the referee's decision in front of him) - there were no further attempts to change the score. The Bianconeri were therefore able to maintain the composure necessary to leave the pitch with all three points. The match officially ended in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
Thanks to this important victory, Lugano U21 climbed to 25 points, moving up to eleventh place in the table. Next Sunday, 15 March 2026, the Al Maglio Sports Centre in Canobbio will be the venue for Alessio Chiesa and his teammates' next match. The St. Gallen team Brühl, second in the league, will be visiting Lugano. Kick-off will be at 3 p.m.
Finally, these are the thoughts of coach Andrea Vitali at the end of the ninety minutes in Romandy: It was important to react. Especially in the first twenty minutes, when we broke the deadlock and made our opponents lose some of their confidence. We approached the game very well. The goal we conceded in that manner? It's a shame, but we were coming off a difficult period. The team tried not to concede any goals and attempted to score a fourth with Ian Tiraboschi's shot off the crossbar. In any case, we're enjoying the victory. Brühl? It will be an important test for the lads. We'll prepare for it with our usual calm, which sets us apart.
MATCH REPORT
Hoval Promotion League, Matchday 21
Stade de Copet, Vevey
VEVEY-SPORTS - FC LUGANO U21 1:3 (0:2)
GOALS: 15' Peverelli 0:1, 18' Amirzade 0:2 (penalty), 48' Maslarov 0:3, 72' Krueziu 1:3 (own goal).
VEVEY-SPORTS (4-3-2-1): Manteau; Gassama, Jusufi (39' Matondo), Zuvić, Thaçi; Istrefaj (87' Herder), Chamakh, Daha (75' Diallo); A. Avdić (46' Karadagli), Titizian; E. Avdić (46' Philipona).
Substitutes: Gashi, Yangana.
Coach: Martino Rizzello.
FC LUGANO U21 (3-4-2-1): Mina; Krueziu, Radić, Chiesa (70' Chakor); Peverelli, Amirzade (87' Puddu), Maslarov (87' Jagodić), Sbai; Parente, Raffa (61' Tiranboschi); Piffero (61' Zurmühle).
Substitutes: Pellanda, Shabanaj.
Coach: Andrea Vitali.
REFEREE: Pierre Collart.
ASSISTANTS: Jonathan Collaud and Carmine Imbriaco.
BOOKINGS: 20' Jusufi, 46' Krueziu, 67' Istrefaj, 80' Tiraboschi, 83' Amirzade, 90' +4' Herder.
SENT OFF: 80' Thaçi (second yellow card).
Men's U21March 7, 2026