Italy Serie B - Round 27

Italia – Serie B

Presentation of the 27th matchday (27/02/24, at 19:30 CET)
A midweek round filled with heavyweight matches. Home commitments not to be missed for Palermo and Parma – with the uncertainty of relaxation for the runaway league leaders. Como to draw or win (X2), expect goals in the matches of Venezia, Catanzaro, and Sampdoria. Ascoli and Pisa matches are likely to see under goals.

Ascoli-Brescia (27/02/24, at 17:15 CET)
A priceless goal by Masini in the direct clash with Feralpi (0-1) over the weekend allowed Ascoli to reach the playoff zone. The Bianconeri tightened their defense and aim to snatch points against Brescia. Lombardi's side is still just a step away from the playoffs, but with only one win in the last 6 matches, their quality has declined, with the usual issues in scoring – second-worst attack and second-best defense in Serie B. Expect a tight, potentially competitive match with a medium-low score.

Reggiana-Sudtirol (27/02/24, at 17:15 CET)
A draw away to Brescia (0-0) keeps Reggiana's gap with direct rivals unchanged. Sudtirol, on the other hand, has just caught up with Reggiana at 31 points, thanks to the crucial win against Bari (1-0, with the usual Casiraghi's penalty). It's a watershed match between two teams almost equidistant from the playoffs and relegation playoff zone: winning would mean a turning point in their season ambitions. Reggiana seems slightly better defensively, while Sudtirol appears more incisive in attack. However, their overall value demonstrated so far is equivalent – with equal goal differences as well (-3). It's an open match, not necessarily inclined towards a goal fest, but where both teams could likely find the net.

Catanzaro-Bari
A stunning victory for Catanzaro at Cittadella (1-2), as Vivarini's men secure the sixth position. With direct promotion distant by 6 points and with 4 teams ahead, the dream is tough but still alive. However, they need to continue their positive streak – 5 matches without defeat – against a Bari side stung by the loss to Bolzano. It's crucial for the Apulians, who have slowed down their direct competitors: the playoffs are just 2 points away. The draw would be of little use for both teams. Bari's attack has often been blunted, but watch out for their pride and Catanzaro's shaky defense: a scenario for both teams to score.

Lecco-Como
Lecco finally moves, holding Ternana to a goalless draw in the last match after 6 consecutive defeats. Tuesday's Lake derby almost feels like a last chance, with the playout distance reduced to -5: Como has a great opportunity to push down their rival. Roberts' boys, coming off a 1-1 draw against Parma, need to keep pace with the race for direct promotion – which is becoming increasingly tight. Despite the uncertainty of a derby, the technical gap in favor of Cutrone and his teammates is significant, leaning towards a draw or an away win.

Palermo-Ternana
Palermo rues missed opportunities once again this season after making a bold statement in a direct clash but failing to secure victory (Cremonese held them to a 2-2 draw with 10 men). Corini's men are still in great form – with just one loss in the last 11 matches – and must return to winning ways at the Barbera stadium. The opponents, Ternana, are tough – with three consecutive positive results – but inferior in every aspect of the game. In the long run, trust in a Palermo victory.

Parma-Cosenza
Parma, the league leaders, emerge unscathed from Como (1-1), maintaining a comfortable distance from their direct rivals. Although Serie A promotion calculations aren't yet underway at Tardini, the euphoria could rise sky high with a victory over Cosenza: Benedyczak and his teammates have a first match-ball opportunity. On the other hand, Cosenza needs to redeem themselves after the home loss to Sampdoria (1-2) to keep their playoff dreams alive: they held Parma to a draw in the first leg (0-0). They might take advantage of a potential defensive lapse from the home side, although Parma's three points are to be expected.

Sampdoria-Cremonese
It was do or die, and Samp responded: overcoming Cosenza, the blucerchiati rejuvenate their standings and cling to the playoff dream. However, they face a tough task against an indomitable Cremonese side, capable of turning around a highly unfavorable game against Palermo (2-2) and softening the blow of temporarily losing the second spot. It's the third consecutive draw for the grigiorossi, a result also seen in the first leg (1-1). Pirlo's team is yet to win at Marassi in 2024 and aims to do so in the most important match. Expect a genuine match, with the visitors slightly favored but challenged by Samp's pride: yes to both teams scoring, without necessarily expecting a high-scoring game.

Pisa-Modena (28/02/24, at 19:30 CET)
Heartbreak for Pisa, conceding a late goal to Venezia (1-2) and suffering their second consecutive loss. Mister Aquilani demands a reaction from his players to avoid slipping back into troubled waters. However, beating Modena would even reignite their playoff hopes – there's a 5-point gap between the two teams. The gialloblù are coming off a disappointing home draw against Spezia (0-0 with a numerical advantage) and must guard against the onslaught from 6-7 competitors. It's crucial not to halt their positive streak – 5 matches, but 4 draws in a row – especially at home. Expect a low-paced match, with a medium-low score, considering Modena's recent trend leaning towards draws.

Spezia-FeralpiSalò (28/02/24, at 19:30 CET)
A point that tastes like a victory for Spezia, holding Modena to a goalless draw despite being a man down for over a half. D'Angelo's men have recorded five consecutive useful results: the relegation comeback has begun. It would be a shame to halt this progress just when they face a FeralpiSalò side in another streak of poor results – 3 consecutive losses. For the Rossoverdi, losing in Liguria would be a significant psychological blow. Spezia currently has the edge, but they must still secure the win against a direct rival. It's a high-risk game, to be approached with caution regarding both the final result and the goal count, but with the Bianconeri slightly favored.

Venezia-Cittadella (28/02/24, at 19:30 CET)
At the last gasp, a spectacular goal by Olivieri secures Venezia the sole possession of the second spot (1-2 away win against Pisa). It marks their fourth victory in the last seven matches: the orange and black are getting back on track, riding on the goals of top scorer Pohjanpalo. On the other hand, Cittadella suffers their sixth consecutive defeat, also losing to Catanzaro (1-2), and struggles to find their form after the flashes of late 2023: now, even the playoff zone is at risk, putting coach Gorini under pressure. The Granata hope for the Veneto derby effect, unpredictable by definition and historically fiercely contested. Expect a genuine match on Wednesday as well, with the burden of victory on Venezia's shoulders but with both teams potentially finding the net.