The stage is set at Stadio Euganeo for one of the most anticipated fixtures in the early Italian football calendar: Padova versus Vicenza, a Coppa Italia preliminary round match that rekindles the fierce rivalry these two sides fueled just months ago in Serie C. Scheduled for August 10, 2025, with a 19:30 kickoff, this single-elimination clash will determine who advances to face Genoa in the next round, and, if the past is anything to go by, fans should brace for a tense, tactical battle.
Last spring, Padova and Vicenza were locked in a dramatic race for promotion to Serie B. For weeks, the two teams exchanged blows at the summit of Girone A, but it was Padova who snatched promotion in the dying embers of the season, leaving their regional rivals to stew in Serie C for another year. That sting still lingers in Vicenza, and tonight’s derby offers a shot at redemption, if not revenge.
Padova enters the new season with a palpable air of curiosity and optimism. Under the steady hand of head coach Matteo Andreoletti—who masterminded last season’s promotion—the club has kept much of its core intact. However, the real headline grabber is the signing of 2022 World Cup winner Papu Gomez. The Argentine’s arrival sent shockwaves through Serie B and beyond, with fans eager to see if his magic can light up Padova’s campaign. Yet, in a twist, Gomez is sidelined for this match due to a FIFA-imposed suspension, barring him from training or playing until August 19, 2025. As reported, "Papu Gomez cannot train or play with Padova until August 19, 2025, due to a FIFA sanction communicated on October 20, 2023."
Andreoletti faces further selection headaches: defenders Capelli and Delli Carri are suspended, while Antonello and Bacci are out through injury. Tactical choices see Russini and Valente omitted from the squad, and the coach is forced to reshuffle his deck, particularly on the flanks. The latest probable eleven sees Fortin in goal, a back three of Belli, Pastina, and Perrotta, with Faedo potentially deployed out of position. The midfield trio of Varas, Crisetig, and Fusi offers stability, while Seghetti and Bortolussi lead the line in a 3-5-2 setup. The bench features options like Voltan, Barreca, and Baselli, the latter another notable summer acquisition.
Vicenza, meanwhile, is still licking wounds from last season’s near-miss. After briefly overtaking Padova at the top, a shocking late defeat to Virtus Verona handed the initiative back to their rivals. To compound matters, their playoff run ended in heartbreak at the hands of Ternana. In response, the club turned to Fabio Gallo, a coach with a proven track record after guiding Virtus Entella to promotion from Serie C Girone B. Gallo’s arrival ushers in a new tactical era, but he, too, is not without his challenges. Vicenza is missing Talarico, Costa, Cester, and Zonta for this tie, but fields a strong core of familiar faces in a 3-5-2 formation: Gagno between the sticks; Cuomo, Leverbe, and Sandon in defense; Caferri, Cavion, Carraro, Vitale, and Tribuzzi across midfield; with Capello and Morra up front.
Despite the absentees, both teams boast depth and ambition. Padova’s transfer market moves, especially the addition of Baselli, signal intent to not just survive but thrive in Serie B. Vicenza, for its part, is determined to end its exile from Italy’s second tier, and the club’s supporters are desperate for a return to former glories. As one analyst put it, "Padova has strengthened its squad with Papu Gomez and Baselli, while Vicenza remains a strong promotion contender."
Bookmakers are leaning toward Padova, with home win odds ranging from 2.30 to 2.40, while Vicenza’s chances are pegged at around 3.00 to 3.25. The draw is set at approximately 3.10 to 3.15. The consensus among pundits is that this will be a tight, low-scoring affair—perhaps not the most open spectacle, but certainly a contest brimming with intensity and tactical nuance. Predictions from ‘La Notizia Sportiva’ tip a 1-0 win for Padova, with the bet of “1X/no goal/under 2.5 goals” reflecting the expectation of a cagey encounter.
History suggests there’s little to separate these sides. In their last ten meetings, each team has claimed three victories, with four draws. Their most recent clash, a 1-1 draw in February 2025, underscored just how evenly matched they remain. Tonight, with so much at stake, neither will want to blink first.
For fans hoping to catch the action, there’s disappointing news: the match won’t be broadcast live on television or via streaming platforms. Those eager for updates will have to rely on live text feeds or social media for minute-by-minute developments.
Beyond the immediate prize of Coppa Italia progression, this match serves as a litmus test for both squads. For Padova, it’s a chance to show they belong in Serie B and can cope with adversity, especially in the absence of their marquee signing. For Vicenza, it’s an opportunity to lay down a marker and exorcise the ghosts of last season’s disappointments. Both sets of supporters will be watching closely, measuring not just the result but the character and cohesion of their teams as the new campaign begins.
As the clock counts down to kickoff at Euganeo, anticipation is at fever pitch. The outcome remains impossible to predict, with both managers forced into bold decisions by circumstance. Will Padova’s home advantage and summer reinforcements tip the balance, or can Vicenza channel its frustration into a statement performance under new leadership?
One thing is certain: when these two rivals collide, sparks are bound to fly. With a place in the Coppa Italia’s next round—and a date with Genoa—on the line, neither side can afford to falter. Tonight’s derby promises drama, tension, and perhaps a few surprises before the final whistle blows. As the teams emerge from the tunnel, all eyes will be on Euganeo, where the latest chapter in this storied rivalry is about to be written.
