Modena – Palermo
Italy – Serie B, day 9.
Thursday 07/10/23, h14:00
After a sprinting start, Modena are running out of gas: 3 points collected in the last five games, with only 2 goals scored. To slow down after their early three victories in as many matches was predictable and somehow physiologic; the risk, however – considering in particular the second half against Venezia last week, which cost Modena 3 goals – is to enter into a downward spiral. The overall quality of coach Bianco’s team is fairly average for the Serie B standards, but not much more. The light in attack is still Luca Strizzolo (3 goals for him so far), well-inspired by Tremolada and Manconi. But Modena’s strongest point remains a reliable defense (just 5 conceded), which call for a safe path all over this championship. The mental challenge, right now, is to not overestimate their ambition and keep playing their football. Otherwise it may be likely to collapse again.
Today Palermo are among the healthiest Serie B lineups, with 16 points and a solid second place. The club chose to confirm mister Corini in the bench and the choice proved to be brilliant: the improvements from last year are remarkable, even beyond numbers, with the Sicilians often capable to dominate their matches. And if not, like last week against Sudtirol, they manage to win anyway: now their three-pointer games are 5 out of 7, with +8 in terms of goal difference. Ceccaroni and Lucioni form a terrific defensive couple, Segre, Stulac and Henderson are pure dynamism in midfield, while in attack Brunori unlocked himself with an impressive hattrick in Venice. After several years of frustration, Palermo’s fan seem finally ready to cheer again.
Even last season, Palermo dominated both their games against Modena (7-2 in total). Now the technical gap has widened in favor of the Pink-and-black, who in this Serie B can count on the best record on the road (10 points in four games) and are still undefeated. Conversely, Modena are slowing down also at home (one loss and one draw in the last two) and seem to be tried physically. A victory for the visitors is then anything but prohibitive.