Serie B – Round 24

Como-Brescia (09/02/24, CET 13:00)
With a narrow victory, courtesy of a goal from new acquisition Strefezza, Como clinches a win against Terni (0-1) and gets back in touch with direct promotion. Now they await the exclamation mark at home to put behind the slip-up against Ascoli. However, Brescia should not be underestimated, arriving on the back of a playoff win against Cittadella (2-0), propelling Maran's men back to eighth place. A real match is on the cards between two solid teams. With both a stronger offensive line (32 goals to 25) and high-ranking ambitions, the stakes favor Como in a game likely to have a medium-low score.

Cittadella-Parma (10/02/24, CET 13:00)
Another string of unfavorable events and Cittadella finds itself facing the third consecutive defeat (2-0 against Brescia). While their position in the standings remains stable (holding onto sixth place), Gorini's boys must be wary of any psychological blow. Gathering points against league leaders Parma would be the best opportunity to regain morale. However, it's a tough objective, considering the yellow-and-blue euphoria after the last-minute victory against Venezia (2-1), propelling Man and his teammates towards Serie A. Saturday could see attacks trump defenses, with both teams likely to score, and the game leaning towards a draw or an away win.

Cremonese-Reggiana (10/02/24, CET 13:00)
A penalty converted by striker Coda is enough for Cremonese to continue their solitary pursuit of second place, riding the wave of their fourth consecutive 1-0 victory. With results and a big-team attitude, they've shown top form in the last 15 matches – with 34 points compared to Parma and Como's 28, plus an unrivaled defense: conceding only 7 goals in this period. This might be too much for a bright Reggiana side, who hasn't lost in 6 matches but regrets the missed win against Feralpi (1-1), which would have closed the gap to the playoff zone. Nesta's boys are tasked with an uphill battle at the Zini, while Stroppa's men seek their seventh consecutive home win without feeling the pressure anymore. If Cremonese dictates the pace of the match, expect another victory with a medium-low score.

FeralpiSalò-Palermo (10/02/24, CET 13:00)
Green and blue hearts rejoice as Feralpi salvage a draw at the Mapei Stadium, playing with 9 against 11 for over a half and trailing by a goal until the 95th minute. A point worth ten, as Zaffaroni's boys cling tighter to safety. In Piacenza on Saturday, they face another tough opponent in Palermo. Although formidable, Palermo's recent form – 14 points in the last 10 matches – warns against underestimating the newly promoted side. The rosanero are also riding high after a 3-0 win against Bari and are eager for away points, which have eluded them since October 7th. Despite the technical gap, the opportunity could be ripe, but the match will be hard-fought. Expect a draw or an away win, with both teams capable of finding the net.

Modena-Cosenza (10/02/24, CET 13:00)
Twice from the penalty spot, Modena stages a comeback against Sampdoria and leaves Marassi unscathed (2-2). A sign of consistency after the win against Parma in the derby. However, the race for the playoffs has intensified, with Palumbo and his teammates needing to assert themselves against mid-table teams. Cosenza could even be a direct competitor, winning at the Braglia. The red and blues saw their third consecutive victory slip away (1-1 against Pisa) only in extra time but remain in good form. Comparable teams in terms of value, with defenses stronger than attacks: brace yourselves for a hard-fought match with 3 or fewer total goals.

Sudtirol-Venezia (10/02/24, CET 13:00)
A surprise win at Ascoli in the last match (1-2) gives Sudtirol breathing room, extending their lead to +5 above the relegation playoff zone. Continuity is crucial, but it won't be easy. The reverse fixture, not even two months ago, saw the Alto Adige side surprisingly prevail (2-3), kicking off the downward spiral for the arancioneroverdi – with only 2 wins in the last 9 matches. Meanwhile, things are raining on Venezia's parade at home: despite Vanoli's men finding their rhythm again, with Idzes back, they were stung by an injury-time goal from Camara (2-1). While the standings remain high, it's about regaining form through results. A match at Bolzano to not be taken lightly: given the hunger and technical gap, expect a draw or an away win.

Bari-Lecco (10/02/24, CET 15:15)
Palermo's fall (3-0) costs dearly for Bari: Marino's tenure ends, leaving the team in 15th place – only 5 points behind eighth. Sufficient motivation for a comeback specialist like Beppe Iachini, who makes his debut at San Nicola against Lecco. After the defeat against Cremonese (0-1, the fourth in a row), the Lombards have slipped to the bottom of the table – only 3 points from 16th place. The standings are tight. Lecco seems to have sorted things out defensively after a nightmare January. A tough match looms, with an uncertain script, but the feeling is that Bari will come out on top in the end, one way or another.

Catanzaro-Ascoli (10/02/24, CET 15:15)
Two consecutive 1-1 draws for Catanzaro – against Palermo and Spezia – and now Vivarini demands a victory with a playoff flavor from his boys. An inviting chance against Ascoli, who collapsed in the relegation playoff against Sudtirol (1-2): the bianconeri are now back to being 5 points adrift of direct safety and could suffer mentally. If Iemmello and his teammates maintain their recent performances, spurred on by the Ceravolo Stadium, they should clinch a home victory. But it might not be easy: Catanzaro is a team that gives away goals, suggesting both teams will score.

Pisa-Sampdoria (10/02/24, CET 15:15)
Pisa narrowly escapes defeat in Cosenza (1-1) and stays in the crowded mid-table, equidistant from playoffs (5 points ahead) and relegation playoffs (5 points behind). Sampdoria finds itself in the same group at 27 points, seeing victory slip away in the second half against Modena (2-2), but at least celebrates Alvarez's first goal in blue and white. It's a make-or-break game for both: a loss, in any direction, could jeopardize any hopes of postseason play. The advantage leans towards the home team, although the guests are ahead. Yet, regardless of recent setbacks, the form still favors Pirlo's team, with a performance that could land them in fifth place in the last 15 matches. Expect a balanced match until the end, but either a draw or a Sampdoria win.

Ternana-Spezia (11/02/24, CET 15:15)
A high-stakes showdown in Umbria. Due to a tough schedule – facing Como and Venezia last – Ternana has suffered 3 defeats in the last 4 matches and lost their unbeaten home record that lasted since late November. Meanwhile, Spezia continues to climb the table, tying with the red and greens at 21 points and gearing up for a spine-chilling direct clash. D'Angelo's boys seem to have found relief from the transfer market, although the situation remains fragile but worth keeping an eye on. Too many variables to decipher Sunday's match, which promises to be unstable, potentially with both teams scoring, but highly risky in terms of goals and the final result.