The Vanni Sartini era is off to a winning start.

The Halifax Wanderers defeated Vancouver FC 1-0 thanks to Lorenzo Callegari's incredible free-kick in the second half.

Martin Nash set his side up in a 4-3-3, with Matheus de Souza making his debut in goal in place of the injured Callum Irving. Paris Gee, Tom Field, Matteo Campagna, and Morey Doner formed the back four, with Nicolás Mezquida, Marcello Polisi, and Damiano Pecile in midfield. Elage Bah, Mohamed Amissi, and Luis Toomey made up the front three.

The visitors lined up in a 3-5-2, with Marco Carducci making his Wanderers debut in goal behind a back three of Kareem Sow, Thomas Meilleur-Giguère, and Jefferson Alphonso. The midfield was composed of Marcus Godinho, Isaiah Johnston, Lorenzo Callegari, Lucas Olguin, and Francesco Troisi, with Cyprian Kachwele and Jason Bahamboula leading the line.

Vancouver dominated possession and created the better chances, outshooting Halifax 17-5, though none of it would matter in the end.

The new-look Eagles threatened on multiple occasions, forcing Marco Carducci into a series of early saves. Halifax, meanwhile, struggled to generate any meaningful attack, with Vancouver's back line doing well to contain the two strikers.

Against the run of play, Lorenzo Callegari broke the deadlock with a stunning free kick that left Matheus de Souza with no chance, putting the visitors ahead 1-0.

FREE KICK STUNNER 🤯

Lorenzo Callegari scores an absolute BANGER to give @HFXWanderersFC the lead in Langley. #CPLSoccer

📺: @OneSoccer pic.twitter.com/pJSjYk8rJe

— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) April 5, 2026

After the goal, Halifax settled into the match and began to control more of the possession, showing an attacking intent that had been largely absent for most of the game.

Vancouver continued to press forward, with one of their best chances falling to Mohamed Amissi, whose shot was saved by Carducci.

In the dying minutes, Terran Campbell found himself right in front of goal, only for his effort to strike the crossbar before the Wanderers cleared the danger.

Vanni Sartini was applauded when he stepped on the Willoughby pitch, saying, "I was really happy, almost emotional, that when I arrived, the crowd gave me applause."

After a disappointing start to the league season, Vancouver return to action next Sunday against Forge, who opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Atlético Ottawa. Halifax, meanwhile, make the trip to Ontario to face Inter Toronto.