Italy Serie B - Round 31
Modena-Bari (01/04/23, h11:30 CET)
Last chance for the playoffs between two struggling teams: Modena hasn't won in 9 games, while Bari has lost 4 out of the last 5. "We urgently need to find three points," coach Bianco doesn't hide at home. The atmosphere is even heavier for the Apulians, with the termination of Jérémy Menez's contract during the week. Iachini asks his players to stand firm, but it feels like they have few arrows in their quiver (29 goals scored, the third-worst attack in Serie B), and the playoffs are now only 2 points away. An unstable match, with high risk for both teams: given the importance of the result and their mutual inconsistencies, a medium-low scoring game is likely.
Como-Sudtirol
Como is warned, as they face a Sudtirol side capable of handing three defeats to the in-form Cremonese. "They want the playoffs," admits Roberts, "and they are lethal on the counterattack." The blue and whites, still chasing direct promotion, will be called to expose themselves: Casiraghi and his teammates could take advantage of any spaces. Coach Valente emphasizes "balance in both phases" to his players: the Bolzano team has won only one of their last 6 away games but is improving and is just one point away from eighth place. We expect a tough game for Como, which could ultimately result in a positive outcome for them.
Cosenza-Brescia
A bloody return to the red and blue bench for William Viali, who, after losing in Terni (1-0), finds his team just 2 points above the same Umbrians in the relegation playoff zone. Cosenza has won only one game out of the last 8 and hasn't scored in 3 matches: Gennaro Tutino's return from injury brings a breath of fresh air to an otherwise blunt attacking line. It's also a critical moment for Brescia, teetering on the edge of eighth place: a drought of victories (only one in the last 6) also plagues Maran's boys, although they remain very solid and tactically balanced (31 goals conceded, the third-best defense in the league). Brescia has a concrete chance to move up the table in Cosenza, but the hosts will likely make the contest a close one. Expect a medium-low scoring match.
Lecco-Cittadella
A perpetual storm in Lecco, with 10 defeats in the last 11 games virtually condemning the Lombards to relegation. With 8 games left to play, there would still be room for recovery, but the recent signs (a heavy defeat at Ascoli) are not encouraging. Aglietti, in case of failure against Cittadella, risks being sacked: it would be the third of the season decreed by owner Di Nunno (who has meanwhile put the club up for sale). The Venetians, on the other hand, have returned to picking up points – two consecutive draws – after a horror run of results: the international break has rejuvenated the atmosphere, and they have the technical means to chase the playoffs. However, they need to improve offensively (only one goal scored in the last 4 matches), and facing the leakiest defense in Serie B (58 goals conceded) could help in that regard. Beware of underestimating the challenge, but against this Lecco side, a draw or a victory for Cittadella is likely.
Parma-Catanzaro
Without shining, but with the usual load of determination, Parma also wins away against Feralpi (1-2) and flies 9 points clear in third place. Tardini is counting down to Serie A, with Mihaila and Benedyczak leading the yellow and blues on the field. On the other side is a Catanzaro side slightly in decline – one point in the last 2 games, but 4 wins in the previous 5 – and safely distant from seventh place. Coach Vivarini praises the "spectacular play" of the league leaders, preparing to face them openly with little to lose. Parma is naturally favored – still undefeated at Tardini, they won the reverse fixture 0-5 – but they have conceded goals in 8 consecutive matches: considering Catanzaro's offensive qualities, both teams are likely to score.
Pisa-Palermo
A shaky showdown awaits at the Arena Garibaldi. Pisa missed their chance for advancement, being humbled on their visit to Como (3-1), which distances Aquilani's boys from a playoff spot. Palermo, on the other hand, left the Barbera amidst boos after the internal collapse (0-3) against Venezia: farewell hopes of direct promotion, the fans calling for Corini's dismissal (difficult, barring further slips) while the coach responds with a tactical adjustment. During the break, the Rosanero worked on a three-man defense to shore up a backline leaking goals – 12 conceded in the last 5 matches. It will be a real match, with the result likely hanging in the balance until the 90th minute, as often happens when Pisa plays. And there's a scent of goals: the home team knows how to strike, and another goal drought for Palermo would have alarming repercussions.
Spezia-Ascoli
A survival showdown like no other: 31 points each, sharing 17th place which currently means half relegation playoff and half relegation. Spezia and Ascoli play for a significant chunk of the season, amidst good form: the guests (with Castori's dismissal in between) have lost just one game in the last 6, while the hosts have lost only one in their last 9. Spezia boss D'Angelo rallies the fans, emphasizing "how much mental strength can make a difference." On the other side, Carrera, after a stunning debut (4-1 against Como, without Mendes and Botteghin), seeks continuity on a tough pitch. Ascoli may have a slight edge in attack and Spezia at the back, but the outcome remains uncertain. Beware, however, of lopsided victories in either direction.
Venezia-Reggiana
Euphoria and spectacle in Venezia, after a dominant display against Palermo (0-3) which propels the orange and green back to a solitary second place. "We will give all our energies for Serie A," the charge from bomber Pohjanpalo, fresh from the European playoffs lost with Finland, and ready to raise his voice in the league (10 goals in the last 8 matches). However, attention must be paid to Reggiana, a technically inferior team but coached with great skill by Alessandro Nesta: the Granata are among the most uncomfortable teams in Serie B, having drawn 8 of their last 11 matches and surprised Venezia (1-0) in the first leg. It's difficult to repeat such a feat at the Penzo, but all the pressure will be on the hosts who haven't always respected predictions against smaller teams. The feeling is that Reggiana could drag Vanoli's boys onto their preferred path of low-scoring draws, if not even towards a draw itself.
Cremonese-FeralpiSalò (01/04/23, h17:00 CET)
"A setback," said Mister Stroppa after the unexpected collapse in Bolzano (3-0). The break has helped his Cremonese to clear their minds, regaining fresh forces and a variety of choices among the players. Second place (now held by Venezia) is just a point away: Coda and his teammates want to warm up the Zini Stadium by finding three points. Feralpi carries the burden of being the party pooper, with some encouraging signs: Sudtirol has shown that this Cremonese side is beatable, as they did in the first leg (1-0), and their current form boasts 2 consecutive away wins. When the margin for error in terms of survival decreases week by week, what Zaffaroni's boys need above all is compactness. But the technical gap remains substantial in the long run: a home win is expected, in a potentially tight match without a deluge of goals.
Sampdoria-Ternana (01/04/23, h19:30 CET)
The Blucerchiati are riding high – 4 wins in the last 5 – and finally have their heads in the playoff barrage. Mister Pirlo waited until the last minute for the return of the internationals and now aims not to take the foot off the gas: the defense is performing well, with Kasami shining in midfield with 2 crucial consecutive goals. An attacking Ternana arrives at Marassi, buoyed by the precious victory over Cosenza (1-0) and the sight of survival (2 points above). With Breda, the team turned a corner, and if Gaston Pereiro's experience comes to the fore in the final stretch – decisive in recent outings – the feat may not be a mirage. It's tough to pass through Ferraris, but why not give it a try: Sampdoria has what it takes to take the full spoils, while Ternana could leave their mark with at least one goal.