Italy Serie B – Round 15

Palermo-Catanzaro 01/12/23 CET 20:30
The crisis continues at home for Palermo, with Brunori and company unable to secure a victory in Terni (1-1), even with 11 against 10. Only one win in the last 6 puts Corini in a precarious position, trailing behind direct competitors. On the other hand, Catanzaro has bounced back from three consecutive defeats by convincingly winning the Calabrian derby (2-0), joining Palermo at 24 points. On paper, Palermo looks stronger – especially in defense, the best in the league with only 11 goals conceded – but the psychological resilience is uncertain. The visitors can afford to play with a light heart, always posing a threat with 22 goals scored, the second-best attack. A balanced match, with a slight inclination towards the over.

Cosenza-Ternana 02/12/23, CET 14:00
The derby loss pushes Cosenza out of the playoff zone, but there is an immediate chance for recovery. However, they must not underestimate a wounded but proud Ternana – second to last, with only one victory, but two consecutive draws, indicating a recovery under Breda. Therefore, Caserta's boys should prepare for a tactical and scrappy match. The technical gap is significant, and fate is entirely in their hands: yes to the 1, with the game potentially leaning towards the over if the home team unlocks it early.

FeralpiSalò-Cittadella 02/12/23, CET 14:00
The last-minute disappointment away at Como (2-1) denied Feralpi their third consecutive positive result. Zaffaroni's team is still chasing their first home win, which would boost morale and lift them from the bottom of the standings. Cittadella, on the other hand, arrives at Lake Garda in great form, with three consecutive wins and entry into the playoff zone. A remarkable feat given their squad on paper. For this reason, the Venetians are at risk of a setback – which would be painless – halting their momentum where it seems easier to continue. The game could end in any way: at the very least, a goal difference in any direction would make headlines when Cittadella is on the field.

Modena-Reggiana 02/12/23, CET 14:00
The yellow and blues are a solid team, as demonstrated by coming close to an upset at Tardini (1-1, with Parma equalizing at the last minute). A result that provides morale after the home defeat against Sampdoria, keeping Bianco's boys in the playoff zone. Another round, another derby: Reggiana, without a win in three games, aims to distance themselves from the relegation zone. While Modena has a slight edge, not only on paper, both teams are similar – better in defense than in attack, with 14 goals scored each. Despite the derby uncertainty, signs point towards the under, with the draw (X) tempting.

Pisa-Cremonese 02/12/23, CET 14:00
For the second consecutive time, Pisa has squandered a home advantage for a 1-1 draw, unable to break free from mid-table mediocrity. Despite a series of three consecutive positive results, their offensive struggles persist, with only 14 goals scored, despite Mattia Valoti's improvement with 5. On the other side, Cremonese is on fire, with four consecutive wins, Massimo Coda leading the goal-scoring charts (9 goals), and direct promotion finally in sight. Technical superiority and current form favor the visitors, although the Arena Garibaldi is a tough place for everyone, and Pisa is naturally combative. Pontentially X2, without expecting more than a one-goal difference.

Venezia-Ascoli 02/12/23, CET 14:00
The Penzo crowd is ready to salute the new Serie B leaders: overwhelming Bari away (0-3, without the injured Pohjanpalo), the orange-and-green have caught up with Parma at the top, with a head-to-head advantage. The team is in great shape, winning four consecutive games and seeking the fourth consecutive win at home. Johnsen and Tessmann are in the spotlight, proving they can compensate for the absence of the Finnish striker, who is doubtful even against Ascoli. On the other hand, the white and blacks depend on Pedro Mendes' flashes (6 goals) and seek valuable points to escape the relegation playoff zone. However, it's the classic game where Venice's worst opponent is Venice itself: confidence in the 1, and many regrets for the home team if it doesn't happen.

Spezia-Parma 02/12/23, CET 14:00
Misfortune continues for Spezia, narrowly falling (2-1) even at Marassi and becoming increasingly entangled in the relegation zone. Despite the Serie A adventure just a few months ago, Mister D'Angelo faces a complicated mission. Saturday won't be easy to earn points against a wounded Parma experiencing its first difficulties of the season – only one point in the last 2 games. The yellow and blues are catching their breath: normal after a fast start. But only Benedyczak and Man (13 goals combined) have scored more than the entire Spezia (10 goals). No need to add more: X2, even though it could be more challenging for the visitors than the script suggests.

Brescia-Sampdoria 02/12/23, CET 14:00
Maran's management has started with two valuable points and two consecutive 1-1 draws (against Pisa and Sudtirol). Brescia is becoming the solid and difficult-to-beat team that impressed in the early stages of Serie B. However, Sampdoria is on a high after the derby, with four wins in the last five, finally entering the high-ranking zone. Pirlo's team is emerging despite the coach's suspension and Borini's injury, with a favorable schedule and the time to make a playoff push. A match with a medium-low score, balanced in terms of gameplay, but the blucerchiati might not let the points slip away. Again, yes to X2.

Lecco-Bari 03/12/23, CET 16:15
A good point in the lake derby (0-0 in Como), and Lecco takes advantage of the recovery to reach the 16th position. Bonazzoli's team has found balance and certainties, especially in defense – only 4 goals conceded in the last 5, with only one defeat in the last 7. Bari, on the other hand, is behind the blackboard after the collapse at San Nicola against Venice (even though it was 0-1 until the 90th minute), removing the little momentum Marino's boys had from the previous matches. The red and whites have won three games like Lecco and are ahead in the standings more due to draws (9 in total) than attractive football: the playoff team of the past season needs to be recreated from scratch. But solidity is sought. A game for under, potentially X.

Sudtirol-Como 03/12/23, CET 16:15
The South Tyroleans haven't won in 4 games – one draw and 3 losses – and at the Druso, they've only won one of the last 5. A crucial moment for Bisoli's team, missing points more than performances: they need to return to full points to bring the playoffs back into focus. Como, on the other hand, is on a positive streak for 5 games, but in the first two of Fabregas' management, they struggled a bit: the win against Feralpi came in the nick of time, and the draw against Lecco doesn't match the third position in the standings. Perhaps, for Como, the current position is better today than it will be at the end of the year. A match without surprises, potentially a no-goal, despite two designated scorers – Casiraghi and Cutrone, 7 goals against 5. Yet, the odds strongly favor the visitors; for this reason, on the contrary, it might be tempting to risk the 1.