Italy Serie B - Round 33
Modena vs. Catanzaro (12/04/24, 7:30 PM CET)
The Modena camp is on shaky ground: a draw against Terni (0-0) currently saves Bianco's coaching position, but with 10 consecutive winless matches, fans have openly turned against him. The Braglia Stadium awaits an emotional response, especially to avoid plummeting into playoff territory, a situation unthinkable midway through the season. Facing them is no easy task; Catanzaro, despite a valiant loss to Como (1-2), left a bitter taste of missed opportunities. A potentially close match, with the Calabrians feeling more at ease, sitting comfortably in fifth place, alleviating pressure. Conversely, Modena is playing for much, with prospects of a mid-low scoreline and a tendency to split points.
Cittadella vs. Ascoli
After 4 months and 11 matches, Cittadella finally broke the curse, triumphing 2-0 at Mapei Stadium and bringing a smile back to coach Gorini's face. "A fundamental victory, but we need another to secure safety," he emphasizes. Their first opportunity comes against Ascoli at Tombolato, a match that feels almost like a do-or-die for the Marchigiani, currently third from the bottom, just a point above the relegation playoffs. Massimo Carrera holds onto the point and the performance against Venezia (0-0), but climbing out of the relegation zone requires a significant improvement away from Del Duca Stadium. An unstable match, defying expectations, might surprise with a flurry of goals. Interestingly, in the last 7 encounters, at least one team failed to score.
Como vs. Bari
Some victories define a season, and the 2-1 comeback win against Catanzaro feels like Serie A quality for Roberts' men. "We found three points even playing below par: a sign of maturity," the Welsh coach remarks cautiously. "Is it a decisive step towards promotion? I can't say," he adds, in a response tinged with confession, reflecting the customary prudence of football pundits. Como, now seeking their fourth consecutive win, heads to a buzzing Sinigaglia. Their opponent, Bari, is in total disarray, winless in 7 matches, fresh from a loss to Cremonese (1-2), and currently teetering on the edge of the relegation playoffs. A shake-up is urgently needed, but none seems forthcoming. Da Cunha's talent, with three goals in the last four matches, might guide the hosts to another victory. However, a medium-low scoring affair is likely, considering Bari boasts the second-worst attack in Serie B (31 goals scored), though defensively sound.
Cremonese vs. Ternana
Golden three points, away at Bari (1-2), inject new life into Cremonese after two consecutive defeats. The Cremo clings to the dream of direct promotion but must find consistency and a home victory. Stroppa assures, "We'll be there till the end," with the team buoyed by a stellar performance. Tsadjout and company enjoy full confidence, with fans rallying behind them during this crucial phase of the season. Ternana faces a tough challenge, following a goalless draw against Modena, failing to lift Breda's men out of the relegation playoffs. "The ugliest point of my tenure," laments the Rossoverde coach, now contending with 5-6 injured players at the Zini. Despite fielding a well-drilled team, Umbrians should expect Cremonese to clinch the contest in one way or another.
Pisa vs. FeralpiSalò
Tuscans are in introspection mode after a resounding defeat at Brescia (1-3), significantly dampening their playoff aspirations. "I apologize to everyone," admits coach Aquilani. Currently, four points adrift from eighth place, Pisa's attitude, mixed with absences, raises concerns. Against FeralpiSalò, Pisa's entire defensive line—Canestrelli, Caracciolo, Leverbe—is suspended, leaving coach Hermannsson with only one recognized center-back, against a team boasting three consecutive away wins. FeralpiSalò squandered a golden opportunity at home against Cosenza (2-2) but demonstrated resilience, trailing the playoff zone by just two points. Expect a match rife with momentum shifts, as Pisa dictates play while FeralpiSalò looks to counter. Goals are likely, given Pisa's shaky defense—conceding 9 goals in the last 3 matches—and FeralpiSalò's second-worst defensive record in the league, with 51 goals conceded.
Sampdoria vs. Südtirol
Sampdoria finds synergy anew, as they held Palermo to a draw, extending their unbeaten streak. "A draw that maintains momentum," Pirlo acknowledges, confirming the team's potential till the season's end, especially in the final third, where they've netted 12 times in the last five matches—the best record in Serie B. Facing Südtirol, in good form following a goalless draw against league leaders Parma, the Alto Adige team has rediscovered their grit, according to coach Valente. The first leg's dominance, where Südtirol defeated Ligurians 3-0, is a distant memory, making the match at Marassi a daunting prospect for Casiraghi's men. Momentum favors another Sampdoria win, potentially hard-fought. For those seeking risk, Südtirol scoring wouldn't be out of the question.
Cosenza vs. Palermo (13/04/24, 3:15 PM CET)
Coach Viali sees the silver lining, as Cosenza holds FeralpiSalò to a 2-2 draw, laying a foundation for recovery. "We've laid the groundwork to build upon," he asserts, acknowledging even a single point lifts morale in lean times. However, the home side hasn't tasted victory in seven matches, now languishing in the relegation playoffs, where Tutino's magic (13 goals so far) alone isn't enough to stave off the drop. Palermo, too, salvaged a 2-2 draw against Sampdoria in Mignani's debut, easing the pressure but still occupying a precarious position. The Marulla Stadium awaits an unpredictable match, as defensive lapses (20 goals conceded in the last five matches) could see both teams finding the net. Given the technical gap, a draw or Palermo's victory isn't far-fetched.
Lecco vs. Reggiana (13/04/24, 3:15 PM CET)
A late revival for survival for Lecco, albeit too late. Yet, they could salvage some dignity to close out the season. Malgrati's debut on the bench saw more gameplay than results (two consecutive 1-1 draws, playing with ten men against Spezia). Despite being nine points adrift from safety, Lecco could still thwart the opposition. Reggiana, stunned by a 0-2 loss to Cittadella, struggles, especially away at Mapei Stadium. "I don't understand why we falter at home," laments Nesta. Luckily, Saturday's match is at Rigamonti Ceppi, where Lecco hasn't won since Santo Stefano, and where Reggiana often falters on the road. While guests may have a slight advantage, the match outcome remains uncertain. More intriguingly, the goal count could be medium-low, considering Lepore and company are fortifying their defense.
Parma vs. Spezia (13/04/24, 4:15 PM CET)
A lackluster 0-0 draw in Bolzano and just one point in the last two matches: for the league leaders, under the pressure of Serie A, this may be the most delicate moment of the season. "The right attitude was there, but we lacked that spark, although at this stage, every gap in the standings is leveled," maintains a calm Pecchia. For Parma, it's time to be more clinical than beautiful, aiming to redeem their first home loss of the season at Tardini. Spezia also feels regret for their 1-1 draw against bottom-of-the-table Lecco, feeling like a missed opportunity. The Ligurians remain in limbo between playoffs and direct survival: a strong performance on Saturday is needed to stay on track. On paper, the forecast favors the Gialloblù, but beware, Spezia has lost only one of their last 10 matches. Like Parma, those willing to risk might bet on a draw, and a goal each side is plausible.
Venezia vs. Brescia (14/04/24, 4:15 PM CET)
Blunted, lacking ideas and Pohjanpalo, Venezia settles for a 0-0 draw away at Ascoli, watching their direct promotion hopes slip away. "We still don't have the right mentality to face certain matches," demands more from his players, Mister Vanoli. Sunday at Penzo will feel like a final for the Orangemen: the Finnish striker, after the birth of his daughter, will be available again, perhaps the best news for an incomplete Venezia (one point in the last two matches). Brescia, these days, is an uncomfortable opponent; under Maran's guidance, they have a top-flight record and won their last two matches. Even without the injured Borrelli, with Moncini and Bianchi excelling in attack, the fans applaud the coach's work, instilling identity and strong tactical discipline. Likewise, at Penzo, the Lombards anticipate Venezia's sprint and will compete fiercely. A match to savor, not necessarily high-scoring, but both teams likely to find the net.