Serie B – Round 18

Cittadella-Spezia, 23/12/23 CET 14:00
The Cittadella's streak of five consecutive victories has come to a halt, but a good draw (1-1) in Modena legitimizes their playoff position under Gorini. A confident, light team with little or nothing to lose. The opposite is true for Spezia, although the six points earned in the last two matches weigh heavily in terms of survival. The white and blacks, with reinforcements from the transfer market, have all the tools to climb out of the danger zone, and with D'Angelo, they are shoring up the defense – conceding only three goals in the last four matches. An evenly balanced game, expecting goals, though not necessarily at a high score.

Como-Palermo, 23/12/23 CET 14:00
A new whirlwind on Como's bench: after the end of the derogation for Cesc Fabregas (who will need a coaching license), the team has been entrusted to the Welshman Osian Roberts. An uncertainty, especially due to his inexperience with Italian football. He becomes the third coach this season for Cutrone and his teammates – a paradox, given that Como continues to be the third force in the league, despite a stumble against Brescia (2-0) in the last round. Palermo could take advantage by winning at Sinigaglia, reaching their opponents at 31 points. With a 3-2 victory against Pisa, the Rosanero believe they have overcome a long period of poor performance: Como will determine if this is indeed the case. An open game, unlockable by an incident, where a scenario of goals is likely.

Cremonese-Modena, 23/12/23 CET 14:00
A surprising flop where you least expect it: a missed opportunity for Cremo, falling unexpectedly (1-0) against FeralpiSalò in a slippery round for all direct competitors. For Stroppa's boys, a positive streak of seven games comes to an end. Direct promotion remains a legitimate ambition, the important thing is not to be shaken. And to reactivate the attack: two goals scored in the last four matches are few – and striker Coda has been goalless for over a month. A delicate moment also for Modena, with only one victory in the last five, although performances have never been lacking. It may be the same at Zini, where a goalfest in any direction would be surprising – even though the home team is slightly favored. The clash between the first and the third defense of Serie B suggest a match without many goals.

Parma-Ternana, 23/12/23 CET 14:00
The draw against Cosenza (0-0) is another step ahead of the pursuers, but behind the scenes, Parma is struggling: only one victory in the last six official matches. The league leader is declining, especially from a physical point of view, and on Saturday, they could face the physicality of a Ternana in top form, with three consecutive victories and rejuvenated since Breda took over as coach. The Rossoverdi won 3-2 in their last away game against Lecco and also won the last two meetings at Tardini: watch out for the verve of Antonio Raimondo, with two double goals already in December. But Parma, from Benedyczak to Man, has numerous arrows in their quiver. Yes to both teams scoring with more than 2 goals during the 90 minutes.

Venezia-Lecco, 23/12/23 CET 14:00
A moment of reflection for Venezia: if the defeat in Cremona was bitter but expected, the one at Penzo against Sudtirol (2-3) highlighted worrying signs of a breakdown. Few ideas, mental fatigue, with only Gytkjaer – with four goals in the last three games – keeping the light on despite the prolonged absence of Pohjanpalo. And now, the second place is in jeopardy. The clouds also return to Lecco: two consecutive defeats, and the Lombards have sunk to second to last place. A similar pill to swallow: another 2-3 at home (against Ternana), from a leading situation, developed into a horror second half. Bonazzoli's men need a shake-up and have already shown they can find it on difficult pitches. Defenses currently shaky, crucial points: a match with three or more total goals, with the orange and black bearing the increasingly uncomfortable burden of favorites.

Catanzaro-Brescia, 23/12/23 CET 15:00
A sudden defeat in Ascoli (1-0), and the Calabrians aim to bounce back at home, where they have won three of the last four matches. Vandeputte and company have been averaging one goal per game in the last two months, a physiological technical drop that, nevertheless, keeps the team (promoted this season, it should be noted) within reach of direct promotion. Brescia, on the other hand, continues their good run under Maran, beating Como (2-0) for the fifth consecutive positive result. The blue and whites have become a defensively solid team, tough to face. Even in Catanzaro, Moncini and his teammates will put up a strong fight. A match on the edge of under.

Bari-Cosenza, 23/12/23 CET 16:15
Sowing poorly and reaping little for Marino's Bari, who fell to La Spezia (1-0) after a good performance. The team is looking for a new push from San Nicola, where they secured a victory two Saturdays ago, but an offensive turnaround is needed. Cosenza will arrive equally wounded, without a win in four rounds, although the draw against the league leader Parma (0-0) can boost morale. Teams with similar values: 21 points to 20 (in favor of Bari), 18 goals scored to 17 (in favor of Cosenza), 19 conceded each. A locked match, with a medium-low score, where the home field factor could prevail in the long run. But watch out for the draw.

Pisa-Ascoli, 23/12/23 CET 16:15
A more and more shaky position for Aquilani's bench at Pisa, after the heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Palermo, which will also cost the suspension of key player Marius Marin. The performance record shows only one victory in the last eight matches: legitimate concern, with the playout zone just one point away. With an away win, Ascoli could overtake them, motivated by the crucial three points snatched from Catanzaro (1-0) in the sign of the usual Pedro Mendes. In this sense, at least, the white and blacks have a clear offensive reference. An unstable, goal-filled game, hanging in the balance until the end.

Sampdoria-FeralpiSalò, 23/12/23 CET 16:15
The Pirlo-led Sampdoria is starting to think big: the fifth victory in the last six games came in Reggio Emilia, and all the other teams are slowing down. Beware of taking the foot off the accelerator on Saturday at Marassi, where they will face FeralpiSalò at the bottom of the table. The Rossoverdi come with unexpected enthusiasm, given the internal upset against Cremonese (1-0) that stopped the bleeding and rekindled the entire environment. However, the technical gap remains abysmal, the numerical differences are significant, and Samp's ability to find different leaders is a decisive extra resource. Therefore, trust in the home win, with the uncertainty of the goal difference.

Sudtirol-Reggiana, 23/12/23 CET 16:15
The feat in a time of need: Sudtirol rediscovers themselves as corsairs in Venice (3-2 comeback) and revitalizes their season after Bisoli's dismissal. Bomber Casiraghi (9 goals, tied with Coda at the top of the goal scorers' chart) has also returned to scoring. Now, they need a home victory that has been missing for two months. The atmosphere remains heavy around Reggiana, who, against Samp (1-2), suffered their seventh consecutive winless match. Nesta's boys are in the playout zone, but by winning in Bolzano, they would catch up with Sudtirol at 20 points. A heated match for both, with a high level of uncertainty. Cautiously, it may inspire both teams to score.