Serie B – Round 17

Spezia-Bari 15/12/23, CET 20:30
Hristov's goal at the last minute could rewrite Spezia's season, as they win against Ascoli (2-1) and get back in touch with the relegation playoff zone. The January transfer market is just around the corner, and the goal is to enter it in the best possible condition after completely missing the mark – the squad was built for promotion, but now they have to fight for survival. Bari also breathes a sigh of relief, with Marino securing his position by beating Sudtirol (2-1) and now seeking momentum to catch the playoff train. The match at the Picco will be a battle between wounded teams, underperforming especially from midfield upwards, and psychologically fragile. Given the importance for both teams, physicality might prevail over goal-scoring opportunities. Expect a balanced match with a medium-low score.

Brescia-Como 16/12/23, CET 14:00
With zero defeats in 4 games under Maran's management, the latest one narrowly avoided with a last-minute penalty (1-1, Moncini at 92') against Reggiana, Brescia has regained solidity and character, making opponents play poorly and defending well. The maturity test on Saturday is against Como, currently third in the league (not very spectacular with a +5 goal difference) but in great form with 4 wins in the last 5 games, including a recent 2-1 victory against Modena. Fabregas's team is the intruder at the table of the top teams, lacking star players (Cutrone leads with 5 goals) but having results and momentum on their side. Even so, winning at the Rigamonti has become quite a challenge. Expect a closed, tactical match between two teams that play at a slow pace. A draw is intriguing, and a goal-filled draw in any direction would be a surprise.

FeralpiSalò-Cremonese 16/12/23, CET 14:00
In Terni, FeralpiSalò faced another must-win game but suffered another defeat (11 out of 16), leaving them in a morale crisis, far from safety (-6 from the second-to-last position) with few technical and character strengths to rebuild. Zaffaroni's men need a miracle, especially since they face an in-form Cremonese on Saturday, capable of beating Venezia (1-0) even with 10 players against 11 and ready to renew the direct promotion discussion. Two significant stats: the worst defense in the league (31 goals conceded) meets the best defense (12); only Massimo Coda (9 goals) has scored almost as much as the entire FeralpiSalò team (11). Expect an away win, potentially by more than one goal.

Modena-Cittadella 16/12/23, CET 14:00
Modena has some regret after a deserved draw slipped away in the last curve against Como. Due to other teams' unfavorable results, the yellow-blues dropped to seventh place and need new certainties to strengthen their playoff position. However, during the week, Cittadella overtook them, showing irresistible form with 5 consecutive victories. The Venetians play with confidence, are in excellent physical shape, and secured a authoritative 2-0 victory against Cosenza in their last game. A combative match is expected at the Braglia, with 2-3 total goals, leaning slightly towards Modena. However, a draw remains a concrete option.

Reggiana-Sampdoria 16/12/23, CET 14:00
Things are going wrong for Reggiana, with a return to 3 points failing in full recovery against Brescia (1-1). Nesta's men are just +1 above the relegation playoff zone and pay dearly for every lapse, despite often convincing play. The silver lining is that the team is unbeaten at home for 7 games, although with only one win. It will be tough to maintain this trend against Sampdoria, discovering new protagonists every week – the latest being Sebastiano Esposito with a superb brace against Lecco – to climb the upper part of the table. Four wins in the last 5 games show a big team rhythm: now, the playoffs are only 6 points away. Given the technical gap between the two teams, expect an X2.

Venezia-Sudtirol 16/12/23, CET 14:00
Aiming for a reset, Venezia suffered a classic potential psychological blow with a 1-0 defeat in Cremona. Vanoli must turn it into a mere setback, especially since Venezia holds the second spot, and the team and the city are in full excitement. A wounded Sudtirol, who lost narrowly to Bari (2-1) with the coaching change, needs a big result to bounce back from their current position near the relegation playoff zone. The Penzo Stadium offers an opportunity but is also a significant obstacle: Gytkjaer and his teammates boast the best home performance in Serie B (19 points in 8 games). In the long run, trust in a home win.

Ascoli-Catanzaro 16/12/23, CET 16:45
The last-minute defeat in the direct clash against Spezia (2-1) would be demoralizing for anyone. Ascoli, after a temporary recovery, finds themselves with their backs against the wall again and in the midst of the relegation zone. Pedro Mendes has been the lone bright spot for the white-and-blacks so far, and reinforcements are urgently needed from the transfer market. On the other hand, Catanzaro has rebounded spectacularly with three consecutive victories, now sitting in the fourth position with an eye on the third. Both teams leave spaces and room for maneuver, especially the visitors – with an attack that has scored 26 goals. Expect a scenario with a medium-to-high score.

Cosenza-Parma 16/12/23, CET 16:45
Cosenza has hit a roadblock. The third consecutive defeat arrived in Cittadella, and there's a feeling that Mister Caserta's team is running out of oxygen after a promising start to the season. They need cynicism, recovering the advantage of the home field, which has disappointed them this year with 3 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws. Parma is also struggling, but as a top team. The added time at La Spezia brought 3 points, and a hard-fought draw against Palermo at Tardini (trailing 1-3 at 90') cannot be a coincidence. Despite everything, Benedyczak and his teammates are still in the lead. Even without overachieving, an draw/win could arrive in Cosenza.

Palermo-Pisa 16/12/23, CET 16:45
Harakiri or psychodrama: you decide, but Palermo threw away a masterpiece. Beating Parma 3-1 (that was the score before added time) is a sign of a top team. However, Palermo has to deal with the fourth consecutive winless game – only one win in the last 8. The performance, at least, strengthened Corini's position, but now a full result at home is needed. Pisa is a tough customer but not unbeatable, especially in terms of playing volume (13th place). Many ingredients for an unstable match, but for the importance of the stake, the needle leans towards Brunori and his teammates.

Lecco-Ternana 17/12/23, CET 16:45
In one way or another, a few weeks ago, both teams would have signed to make Lecco-Ternana a relegation playoff showdown. Today, however, the standings say otherwise, thanks to the revival of Bonazzoli's boys – let's skip the loss at Marassi, it's part of the game – and Breda's boys, who have turned things around with 8 points in 4 games under the new coach. Two galvanized teams face each other, ready to fight with the awareness that another coup would mean a sprint out of the hot zone. They have also started scoring: expect a script with goals, in a match with a medium-to-high score.