Serie B – Round 16

Ascoli-Spezia 09/12/23, CET 14:00
A relegation battle is looming between two wounded sides, Ascoli and Spezia. Both teams have undergone coaching changes but struggle to break free from their negative spirals: the hosts haven't won in five games, while the visitors are winless in eight. The goals conceded are equal (21), but Ascoli has scored four more, thanks to the impact of Pedro Mendes (6 goals in total), the only player demonstrating consistency in performance between the two squads. With a heavy stake – 17th versus 19th place – Spezia may have a slight advantage on paper, but they've shown less on the field. The outcome is uncertain, with the fear factor possibly prevailing, making the overall match tend towards the under.

Bari-Sudtirol 09/12/23, CET 14:00
Another heated match with a red and white theme: after two consecutive defeats, Marino's job is on the line in Bari, while Bisoli's departure in Bolzano happened earlier in the week. The recent loss to Como (0-1) was fatal, with just one point in the last five games. Federico Valente, promoted from the Primavera, takes over in Bolzano. The away side has been better in attack – 19 goals scored against 15, with Casiraghi contributing 8 – while the home team has been more solid, with only 3 losses in 15 games. However, there is only one point between the two teams in the standings. The match scenario doesn't lean towards a goal fest; Sudtirol may aim to leave San Nicola unscathed. Yet, home field advantage could weigh in the long run, so cautiously, yes to 1.

Cittadella-Cosenza 09/12/23, CET 14:00
Citta is in a magical moment: four consecutive wins and a remarkable seventh-place position. Gorini's team excels in tight matches – all seven season victories have come with just a one-goal margin. They know how to suffer, with different players stepping up each time – the top scorer is Luca Pandolfi with only 3 goals. Caution is advised for Cosenza, with only one win in the last six. After the disappointing home loss to Ternana (1-3), Caserta's position is also at risk. It's a clash between two 'overperforming' teams, and if Cosenza wins at Tombolato, they would close the gap to Citta and the playoff zone to just -3. An open game, not necessarily high-scoring, but with both teams finding the net.

Cremonese-Venezia 09/12/23, CET 14:00
It's the match of the day, featuring two in-form teams. Cremonese halted their four-game winning streak with a draw at Pisa (0-0). In contrast, Venezia secured their fifth consecutive win by beating Ascoli away (3-1), keeping pace with Parma at the top. The spotlight is on their respective attacks: Coda, the Serie B top scorer with 9 goals, and Gytkjaer, who lights up in Pohjanpalo's absence with a brace in the last game. However, especially for Venezia, it would be crucial to control the match at a slower pace to fend off Cremonese's assaults on the direct promotion zone. Besides, both teams boast the best defenses in the league, having conceded only 12 goals. Not many goals expected.

Sampdoria-Lecco 09/12/23, CET 14:00
A tough setback for Samp, losing to Brescia (3-1) and halting their impressive climb towards the playoffs. Pirlo's team needs an immediate recovery, targeting a third consecutive home win. However, Lecco arrives at Marassi in great form, coming off an upset against Bari (1-0) and with only one loss in the last eight, keeping four clean sheets in the last five games. Bonazzoli has built a solid team without star players – Nicolò Buso is the top scorer with 4 goals – but tactically disciplined. Certainly, Samp has more options in attack, even without Borini. While Lecco's 16 points feel like a breath of fresh air, Sampdoria will exert pressure for a win at home. The match script leans towards a home victory, perhaps hard-fought with few goal-scoring opportunities.

Ternana-FeralpiSalò 09/12/23, CET 14:00
A second-half turnaround (3-1 against Cosenza with Raimondo's brace) gave Ternana their first away win of the season. Breda's influence is undeniable: the team remains unbeaten under his management, accumulating 5 points in 3 games – a stark contrast to the previous 12 games with only 6 points. Playouts are no longer a mirage, and especially with direct competitors slowing down, the opportunity arises. Starting with Feralpi, last in the standings with no wins in the last 8, having the worst attack and defense in the league. Despite Zaffaroni improving performances, it might not be enough. For the red and greens, there is an obligation not to sink further. For Ternana, it's a chance to turn their season around. An open game, potentially with a medium to high score, expecting the home team's ultimate victory.

Catanzaro-Pisa 09/12/23, CET 16:15
The Calabrian derby victory has reinvigorated Catanzaro, who secured an away win against Palermo (1-2) last weekend. The yellow and reds have climbed back to the fourth position and seek consistency for a playoff spot. The ingredients are all there: the third-best attack in the league (24 goals), aggression in their DNA, and the creativity of Jari Vandeputte (5 goals with 3 assists). Pisa, on the other hand, is on a positive streak for four rounds – with a notable 0-0 draw against Cremonese – and aims for a significant result to turn around a season that has been inconsistent so far. Catanzaro is favored, but attention should be given to Pisa's defensive solidity – especially away: conceding only 5 goals – often leading to closely contested matches until the 90th minute. The match is on the edge of an over, with the intrigue of both teams finding the net.

Como-Modena 10/12/23, CET 16:15
A goal by Abildgaard in the second half allowed Como to secure a significant win in South Tyrol (0-1), propelling them to the third position. Between Longo and Fabregas, Como has been on a positive streak for six rounds, showcasing tactical sense and the ability to strike at the right moment, turning them into a surprising semi-big. Modena is not far behind, two points below in the standings, and the opportunity for overtaking is present in the direct clash. Modena's victory against Reggiana in the derby (2-1) provides further momentum to Tremolada and his teammates. The two teams face each other compact, without clear offensive references, and with similar defensive records: conceding 14 goals each, with Como scoring 2 more (18-16). A balanced match is on the horizon, without goal fests. Como pushes at home, but Modena remains undefeated away: a draw could be the outcome.

Parma-Palermo 10/12/23, CET 16:15
The last-minute own goal that allowed Parma to conquer La Spezia (0-1) in the last round should not deceive, as the gialloblù are going through the most delicate phase of their impressive season. Winning without shining is a sign of a great team, as shown by Pecchia's side, holding on to the top spot, propelled by the goals of Benedyczak and Man – 13 in total. Palermo arrives at Tardini in a real crisis, with only one victory in the last seven games, and Corini is facing increasing pressure. Parma remains unbeaten at home, while Palermo, despite a solid away record – conceding only 4 goals – is at risk of collapse. Without expecting a high-scoring game, both teams scoring remains feasible, and Parma might secure a victory due to their experience.

Reggiana-Brescia 10/12/23, CET 16:15
A delicate period for Reggiana – no wins in the last four – with the standings becoming shaky despite the well-defined playing identity under Nesta. The derby loss, beyond their own shortcomings, weighs heavily, and now Reggiana aims to shake things up at home. They face a Brescia revitalized by Maran's guidance, earning 5 points in 3 matches, including an excellent win (3-1) against Samp. The match is high on uncertainty, between two closed teams separated by only two points in the standings. Ready for any result, statistics lean towards the under, but caution is advised even in this regard.