Trento sends a message to Serie C rivals after beating Sassuolo and Parma in pre-season triangular

Trento, a Serie C side from the northern Italian city, made a statement in their pre-season preparations by winning a triangular friendly against two Serie A clubs – Sassuolo and Parma – at the Stadio Briamasco on Friday. The Gialloblù, coached by Luca Tabbiani, beat Sassuolo 2-0 and then drew 1-1 with Parma before prevailing on penalties, finishing top of the mini-tournament. The result adds weight to expectations that Trento could challenge for the top positions in Serie C Group A this season, after finishing fifth last year.

Triangular format and results

The friendly was structured as three 45-minute matches: first Trento vs Sassuolo, then Sassuolo vs Parma, and finally Trento vs Parma. Sassuolo and Parma played out a 1-1 draw, with Parma winning on penalties, but the overall standings were determined by points from the three matches. Trento collected four points (win, draw) against Sassuolo’s one (draw, loss) and Parma’s one (draw, loss after penalties). The home side’s direct victory over Sassuolo and their penalty success against Parma gave them the edge.

Trento 2-0 Sassuolo: clinical first half

In the opening match, Trento controlled the game against a Sassuolo side managed by former Italy Under-21 coach Alberto Aquilani. The hosts hit the post early through Dalmonte, then opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Capone fired a low drive from outside the area into the bottom corner. Aucelli doubled the lead seven minutes later, finishing from Dalmonte’s assist. Sassuolo had chances – Alvarez and Cinquegrano both shot wide – but Trento goalkeeper Barlocco made saves against Doig and Fossati, while Turati denied a late free kick. The final score remained 2-0.

Trento 1-1 Parma (4-3 pens): fightback and shootout

The second match saw Trento face a Parma side featuring players like Delprato and Almqvist, with goalkeeper Corvi between the posts. The Gialloblù were dangerous early: Ladisa had a shot saved, and they hit the woodwork again at the 20-minute mark. Parma responded through Almqvist and a backheel from Elphege that went just wide. In the 40th minute, Fiamozzi put Trento ahead with a well-taken goal, but Carboni equalised three minutes later with a deflected free kick. The match went straight to penalties, where Trento held their nerve. The decisive miss came from Parma’s Valenti, giving the hosts a 4-3 shootout victory.

Key facts

What this means for Trento and Serie C

The result is more than a pre-season curiosity. Trento finished fifth in Group A last season, narrowly missing the playoff spots. With coach Luca Tabbiani returning and a squad that has shown it can compete against higher-level opposition, the club’s ambition to push for promotion or at least a playoff place appears genuine. The performances against Sassuolo and Parma – both of which are expected to be competitive in Serie A – demonstrate that Trento’s organisation and attacking threat have improved.

For Serie C rivals, the message is clear: Trento will be a tough opponent in Group A. The club’s ability to create chances and defend solidly against stronger sides suggests they could be a factor in the race for the top positions. Fans will be watching the remaining pre-season friendlies for further signs, but the early indications are encouraging.

The season ahead

Trento’s pre-season continues with more friendlies in the coming weeks before the Serie C campaign begins in late August. The club has not made major signings this window, but the continuity of the squad and the tactical work under Tabbiani appear to be paying off. The triangular victory provides a boost in confidence and media attention, which could help attract further support and possibly strengthen the squad before the transfer window closes.

Source: TuttoMercatoWeb – “Il Trento mette in riga due squadre di Serie A e manda un messaggio alle avversarie” – https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-c/trento-mette-riga-squadre-serie-manda-messaggio-avversarie-2257164