Serie B, Round 26

Italy - Serie B
Matchday 26 Preview (24/02/24, 13:00 CET)
Numerous direct clashes, from top to bottom, in this round of fixtures: to be handled with care. Potential goal-filled matches in Cittadella, Pisa, Como, and Terni. Underdog matches for Brescia and Modena. Intriguing X2 prospects for Sampdoria and Bari.

Cosenza vs. Sampdoria (23/02/24, 19:30 CET)
The Rossoblù are on a positive streak of 5 games, coming off a convincing 3-1 win against Lecco: with Tutino's performance (another brace), they are now just 2 points away from the playoffs. However, it's a bottomless pit for Pirlo's Samp, who were equalized by Brescia at 94' (1-1) and lag significantly in the standings. For the blucerchiati, with only one win in the last 8 matches, there's no room for error in Cosenza. Friday's early clash promises to be a hard-fought battle, with a medium-low scoring expectation. However, in the long run, it might be worth risking a draw or away win: the hosts rely on agility, while the visitors carry the urgency of a last resort. And despite their superior quality on paper, the Serie B verdict has been anything but predictable so far.

Brescia vs. Reggiana
A valuable draw at Marassi (1-1) keeps Maran's team within touching distance of the eighth spot. However, 4 out of the last 5 matches ended without a win: after a relentless pursuit, Brescia seems to be catching its breath. Chasing three points behind is Reggiana, who unexpectedly stumbled in the maturity test: a defeat against Ternana (0-2) ends a positive streak of 7 games. Coach Nesta admitted that his boys are "paying the physical toll of the last few weeks". And they can't afford to take their eyes off the rearview mirror. Thus, on both ends, caution will be the watchword at the Rigamonti: Brescia slightly favored in a match expected to be under 4 total goals.

Cittadella vs. Catanzaro
The collapse against La Spezia (4-2, with two men down) leaves no room for doubts: the once magnificent Cittadella of a few weeks ago has deflated. 5 consecutive defeats have eroded the substantial playoff lead of the surprising Venetians - now just +3 ahead of ninth place. To bounce back and dispel the ghosts, Tombolato is ready to host Catanzaro: last weekend, the giallorossi only managed a 2-2 draw at home against Sudtirol but, on the bright side, they are on a positive streak of 4 games. The previous encounter ended 1-1 after a hard-fought battle: another likely draw looms, with both teams expected to score.

Cremonese vs. Palermo
Grigiorossi failed to break Ascoli's resistance (0-0), securing their second consecutive draw and closely followed by a spirited trio chasing Serie A promotion: one of them being Palermo, who comes to Zini Stadium with 4 wins in the last 5 games and only one defeat in the last 10. Particularly shining is their clear 3-0 victory over Como: Corini's boys are not afraid of direct confrontations. It's a high-stakes challenge, with Cremonese stronger defensively (17 goals conceded to 29) and Palermo more potent in attack (45 goals scored to 33). The first leg at Barbera was thrilling (3-2), so brace yourselves for another uncertain goal-filled contest. Though not necessarily within a medium-to-high scoring match.

FeralpiSalò vs. Ascoli
A survival showdown unfolds in Piacenza. Feralpi enters as second to last, coming off two narrow defeats - against Palermo and Bari - after many comeback efforts. Ascoli, on the other hand, held Cremonese to a draw and still sees the playout zone just 2 points above. It's a high-risk and hard-to-predict match: Zaffaroni's boys currently exhibit more teamwork and attacking confidence, but the Bianconeri know how to defend and rely on Pedro Mendes's technical leadership - with 10 goals to his name, by far the best among the 22 on the field. Approach with caution; those seeking a gamble should consider the goal count: the stakes will drive both teams to play it safe.

Sudtirol vs. Bari
A decent draw at Catanzaro (2-2) and Sudtirol starts moving up the table again. The trouble is that results from other matches have brought the playouts dangerously close, with only 3 points separating them: Saturday's match becomes crucial for survival. However, beware of a fiery Bari under Beppe Iachini's guidance: 6 points in 2 games, and suddenly they're just one point away from the playoffs. The Biancorossi haven't solved their known attacking issues but are rediscovering themselves as a battling team: a fundamental quality for the end of the season. This puts Bari in a slightly advantageous position in Bolzano: despite the signs of a balanced match, expect confidence in a draw or away win in the long run, albeit without expecting a goal-fest.

Como vs. Parma (24/02/24, 15:15 CET)
A tough blow to analyze for Robert's team, thrashed by Palermo (3-0) and with their second defeat in the last 4 matches: the big match against Parma could either be a chance for redemption or more trouble. Because Parma is now flying towards Serie A, 8 points clear at the top, always believing a bit more than the others: their victory against Pisa in the last game (3-2) was the 4th this season secured in the recovery minutes. And it guarantees the necessary cushion to face Como with confidence. The burden of the result falls entirely on the home team, who must seize the opportunity if Parma eases off. However, the best attacking record in the league (48 goals scored) still favors goals from both sides.

Pisa vs. Venezia (24/02/24, 15:15 CET)
Pisa is kicking themselves after nearly securing a valuable draw at Tardini at 92' only to capitulate moments later. Aquilani's men now sit 4 points away from the playoffs and will host a Venezia equally eager for results in their direct promotion quest. Last Sunday, the arancioneroverdi settled for a 2-2 draw at home against Modena, but at least they have Pohjanpalo back atop the scorer's chart: the forward scored two consecutive braces, tallying 8 goals in 2024 alone and reminiscent of his spring performance. It will be tough for Venezia, as the hosts are in form, but they may aim to snatch one or more points. Also, considering the Finnish factor, expect both teams to find the net.

Ternana vs. Lecco (24/02/24, 15:15 CET)
In a time of need, Ternana rises at Reggio (0-2) and makes a significant leap forward in the relegation battle. Now they must ensure not to squander it all in a scorching direct clash: their opponent is Lecco, bottom of the table, still reeling from Aglietti's debut on the bench (1-3 against Cosenza) and now with 6 consecutive losses. The feeling is that the rossoverdi have everything to lose, with the Lombards written off several times this season before awakening suddenly. Beyond the psychological aspect, Breda's team boasts more experience and solidity (-4 goal difference, compared to Lecco's -22). But they must capitalize against the underdogs. Expect an unstable match, with a medium-to-high score.

Modena vs. Spezia (25/02/24, 15:15 CET)
With pride, Modena rallies twice against Venezia and defends the eighth spot from competitors. Bianco's boys have managed 4 consecutive positive results in a complicated schedule: the crisis is over. Spezia follows a similar pattern, enjoying their best moment in this troubled season. The emphatic victory over Cittadella pulls the Ligurians out of the direct relegation zone: D'Angelo's side is finally gelling. Now, they need consistency on a tough field: Modena at home concedes little but might face more difficulties than expected. An insidious challenge in terms of prognosis, but likely a medium-to-low scoring affair and leaning towards a draw - 5 in the last 8 overall matches of both teams.