Serie B – Round 20

Catanzaro-Lecco, 12/01/24
A clash between newly-promoted teams that produced sparks in the first leg (3-4 in favor of the Calabrians). Catanzaro is grappling with an inconsistent season, alternating three consecutive victories with as many games without points in the last 18 matches. With the defeat in Reggio Emilia, they have now suffered three consecutive losses. Logic suggests a return to three points against Lecco, but be cautious about the visitors' form, unlocked offensively and coming off 4 points from matches against Venezia and Sudtirol. Indications point to a balanced match, with both teams scoring, despite the gap in the standings, which, although significant, has decreased: from Catanzaro's second place to Lecco's last, the difference has reduced from 7th to 16th (20 points to 19 in the last 15 games).

Bari-Ternana, 13/01/24
Puglia is in search of victory (only one in the last 7) after the disappointment in Genoa, where they lost three points at the 93rd minute. Marino's team continues to face evident offensive problems (only 18 goals scored), keeping them at a distance from the playoff zone. Ternana, on the other hand, is on the rise with Breda at the helm, with only one defeat in the same period. However, the red-greens are in the midst of a busy transfer market period, which could imply a tactical imbalance in the short term, just when the team had found balance. For these reasons and the push from the San Nicola, one should approach Bari's potentially challenging victory with caution.

Cittadella-Palermo, 13/01/24
The goalless draw in Ascoli does not affect Cittadella's magical moment, with an 8-game unbeaten streak and 4 consecutive home victories. The Venetians are just 2 points away from direct promotion and continue to baffle opponents tactically. Palermo is also on the rise, with significant results in the last four matches (8 points against Parma, Pisa, Como, and Cremonese) and 12 goals scored. Winning at the Tombolato would secure fourth place. The game is potentially balanced until the end, with individual incidents playing a crucial role, and both teams capable of scoring.

Como-Spezia, 13/01/24
By beating Cosenza away (1-2), Como has joined the second position, setting the stage for a Serie A promotion. Cutrone and Verdi (11 goals combined) continue to lead the team on the field, while the coaching situation has become a soap opera, with Osian Roberts awaiting approval until the last moment. However, the team has not shown any signs of being affected. Spezia, on the other hand, is struggling in the standings despite a good draw (1-1) against Modena in the last match. There's not much to add: Como should win at home, not necessarily with a high score.

Sudtirol-Feralpi, 13/01/24
Three market signings aim to lift Sudtirol's season immediately: Kurtic, Molina, and Scaglia have already arrived in Bolzano, bringing experience from Serie A. A shake-up is needed as the only victory against Venezia in the last 9 matches has plunged the red-whites into the relegation playoff zone. Feralpi's season has suddenly improved, gaining 7 points in the tough stretch against Cremonese, Sampdoria, and Venezia – the same as in the previous 16 games. Important signs of life in the relegation battle, with the second-to-last position now within 3 points. However, consistency against smaller teams is needed. The break might have slowed Zaffaroni's boys down, and considering the technical gap (including Casiraghi, the top scorer with 11 goals) and home advantage, Sudtirol's victory seems more convincing in this match, where goals from both teams should be considered.

Modena-Brescia, 13/01/24
Only one victory in the last 7 games has complicated Modena's playoff race, now just 3 points above Brescia before their direct clash. On the contrary, Brescia, aside from a logical defeat against league leaders Parma (0-2), has reacted well to the coaching change under Maran (15 points in 8 matches). Both teams lean towards collective play without individual stars and have a solid defensive phase. Modena scores little and concedes as much at home, while Brescia has been a solid away team (not losing for over two months). Expect a tightly contested match, with a medium to low score, where Brescia's current form pushes towards a draw or an away win.

Pisa-Reggiana, 13/01/24
A draw in Terni (1-1) keeps Pisa out of the relegation playoff zone, marking the second consecutive useful result: a small achievement given the trend of the black and blue season. The club will intervene in the transfer market soon, at least for a defender and a striker. Meanwhile, Aquilani asks his players for an effort in front of the home crowd, where they have only collected 10 points in 9 matches so far. Reggiana, on the other hand, is breathing after two consecutive victories against Sudtirol and Catanzaro, the first being crucial (2-3) and the second prestigious (1-0). Now Nesta is more stable on the bench and with a third consecutive victory, they could even aim to overtake Pisa. However, Pisa has the pressure on their side and a certain technical advantage, especially in midfield, where Valoti leads with 6 goals. Therefore, a home win is favored in a tight match with 1-3 total goals.

Cremonese-Cosenza, 14/01/24 CET 16:15
The defeat in Palermo at the 97th minute leaves a bitter taste in Cremonese's 2023, which had otherwise relaunched with a remarkable autumn (18 points in the previous 8 games). With Stroppa, the grigiorossi have shown great things in both phases, becoming the best defense in the league (16 goals conceded) and compensating for Coda's decline (9 goals, but none in the last 7). On the other hand, Cosenza is on a negative streak of 6 games, slipping close to the relegation playoff zone. Coach Caserta considers switching to a 4-3-3, taking advantage of Marras' return to the wing. The second half of Cosenza's season depends more on psychological and physical recovery than market reinforcements. It's difficult for it to manifest at the Zini. Confidence in Cremonese's victory.

Parma-Ascoli, 14/01/24 CET 16:15
Two comfortable victories against Ternana (3-1) and Brescia (0-2), and Parma attempts to break away, flying 6 points clear at the top without much effort. A sign of a team of another level, complete in every department and capable of featuring new protagonists every Sunday: from Man to Benedyczak, passing through Bernabé and Bonny, the list is full. Only Pedro Mendes (7 goals and 2 assists) lights up the light for Ascoli