Serie B – Round 23

Palermo-Bari, 02/02/24
A solid point away against Catanzaro (1-1), and Palermo is ready to restart at the Barbera, coming off three consecutive victories. The Rosanero seem to have overcome the difficulties of late autumn – just one loss in the last 7 games – and from Stulac to Segre, they rely on the crucial offensive contributions from midfielders. On the other hand, Bari takes a significant step back, falling to Reggiana (0-2) and missing the opportunity to close in on the eighth position. The setback wasn't expected after four games without a defeat, but the standings become less generous with points. Recovering in Palermo will be tough; the balance tilts in favor of Corini's boys, in a potentially hard-fought match with a medium-low score.

Brescia-Cittadella, 02/02/24
Fighting but conceding to Cremonese (1-0), Maran's Brescia slips out of the playoff zone. It's a delicate moment, but the Lombards are still showing that they are a solid team, ultimately equipped to secure a postseason spot. Cittadella suffers their second consecutive defeat (1-2 against Sampdoria) after a dream run that had propelled Gorini's team close to direct promotion. The current fifth position is commendable, but they need to learn from the costly mistakes of recent weeks. An interesting clash between two dissimilar teams in terms of playing philosophy and impact – Brescia is more solid defensively, Cittadella is more lively in attack. Given recent stumbles for both, avoiding defeat will be crucial. They should also be cautious not to expose themselves too much, keeping the total goals under 3-4.

Cosenza-Pisa, 02/02/24
Calabrians rev up the engine: after a poker against Venezia, a significant 1-0 victory away at Sudtirol. Six points in two games bring Tutino and company back to -4 from the eighth position, given the tightly packed standings. Pisa, on the other hand, goes into self-analysis after a disappointing 2-3 home loss to Spezia, which puts everything into question – including Coach Aquilani. The Nerazzurri must react on a challenging field and fix their defense, as Nicolas has conceded goals in the last four games. Both teams have similar value (27 points each, 0 to -2 goal difference), with a mutual interest in controlling the pace of the game. A draw with a medium-low score could be the outcome.

Parma-Venezia, 02/02/24
A sudden collapse for the league leader, coming out battered from a local derby against Modena (3-0), potentially leaving lingering effects. The lead over pursuers is reduced to just 4 points, and one of them is Venezia, who missed the chance to put pressure on Parma at Tardini. However, the orange and black are facing their own difficulties, despite a win against Ternana in the fog (1-0), accompanied by a finally clean sheet. The return of Idzes and Svoboda boosts confidence at the back, but Johnsen's departure to Cremona on the last day of the transfer window removes guarantees upfront. A game with many variables, with Parma slightly favored, needing to redeem the lapse in concentration. Recent slips on both fronts and the attacking prowess of both teams (41 and 39 goals, the best in Serie B) point towards a scenario with both teams scoring.

Reggiana-FeralpiSalò, 02/02/24
A dream performance for Reggiana, upsetting San Nicola (0-2), and entertaining the unlikely notion of reaching the playoffs – just 3 points away. Nesta's team is on a streak of five consecutive positive results, full of confidence, as is FeralpiSalò. The red and greens are coming off the best match in their Serie B history (5-1 against Lecco) and, for the first time, find themselves with one foot out of the danger zone: -1 for the playoffs, -4 for direct salvation. A high-altitude match is expected, as both attacks have started firing (23 total goals in the last 5 matches), and both teams play to win. The script calls for goals from both sides.

Spezia-Catanzaro, 02/02/24
A surprising setback, as Coach D'Angelo makes his Pisa cry (2-3), keeping Spezia afloat – in the bottom three but now just one point away from the relegation playoffs. The Bianconeri are undergoing significant changes in the transfer market, though it's too early to say whether new enthusiasm is kicking in. Saturday's test will provide crucial indications in this regard: Catanzaro is not enjoying the best phase – three losses in the last five – but has just held Palermo to a 1-1 draw and fiercely defends its playoff position. A balanced game is on the horizon; the home team will be eager, and the guests will bear the weight of expectations, especially considering the gap in attack (34 goals scored to 19). This data leans towards a draw or an away win.

Lecco-Cremonese, 03/02/24 CET 16:15
Another nightmare at home for Lecco, following the heavy 5-1 defeat on Garda. The club has expressed confidence in Bonazzoli, pushing hard during the transfer window – 8 arrivals and 6 departures. These revolving doors could pay off in the long run, but the coach must rebuild the team almost from scratch. Cremonese, on the other hand, is playing like a top team, with a short muzzle and maximum results: three consecutive 1-0 victories that have secured them a spot in second place. Lecco's 13 goals conceded in the same period sound like a red alert. On Saturday, they'll face striker Coda: an away win is intriguing.

Sampdoria-Modena, 03/02/24 CET 16:15
Crucial three points at Cittadella (1-2), and Pirlo's Sampdoria breathes a sigh of relief. Cautiously, smiles return to the blucerchiati's home. This is also because the attacking puzzle might finally be solved: Agustin Alvarez has arrived on loan from Sassuolo, ready to fill the offensive void left by various injuries. Modena also experiences a sudden resurgence, winning a thrilling derby (3-0 against Parma) that brings Bianco's team back to eighth place. The feat ends a six-game winless streak, and it remains to be seen how this momentum will continue. Getting a result at Marassi is more challenging than the many points dropped this season might suggest. Based on momentum and potential, trust is given to Sampdoria.

Ternana-Como, 03/02/24, CET 16:15
The battle in the fog in Venice (0-1) leads to another weekend in the playoff zone for Ternana, facing another intense match. Como, unexpectedly wounded, collapses in the final moments against Ascoli (0-2), partly due to Odenthal's expulsion. For the Lombards, the first defeat of the new year drops them to fourth place, making it difficult to imagine they'll stumble again. So far, Cutrone and company have shown mental resilience against strong opponents, and the transfer market is increasing their firepower – especially with Strefezza and Nsame. Against Breda, Ternana reshaped itself, and it will put up a strong fight. Any outcome other than a draw or an away win would be a surprise.

Ascoli-Sudtirol, 04/02/24, CET 16:15
A masterpiece on the lake: without even needing Pedro Mendes, Ascoli breaks through in Como (0-2) and gifts itself a 16th position that is worth its weight in gold. The situation remains precarious, with the bottom of the standings just 2 points below. However, the same amount is required for salvation, currently occupied by Sudtirol: at Del Duca, all the elements are in place for a high-tension direct clash. Sudtirol is coming off an unexpected home defeat against Cosenza (0-1). Losing for Ascoli would be a severe blow. Indicators suggest a cautious game plan on both sides, at least until incidents occur: prepare for a battle and a packed defense on either side, with a goal count under 3.