Italy Serie B - Round 28

Italy - Serie B
Matchday 28 (03/03/24, at 15:15 CET)
Today's fixtures present no easy matches. Cremonese, Sampdoria, Parma, and Palermo all play away against beatable opponents: any defeat for them would be a surprise. The clash between Cittadella and Pisa and the big match Como-Venezia add to the intrigue.

Brescia vs. Palermo (02/03/24, at CET 13:00 )
Brescia settles for their third consecutive draw, managing only a 1-1 result away at Ascoli, missing another chance to make a breakthrough for the playoffs. Now, they face a strong but wounded Palermo side. The Rosanero seems to have lost momentum, paying dearly for a second-half collapse against Cremonese (from 0-2 to 2-2) and succumbing unexpectedly at home to Ternana (2-3). These two setbacks were fatal blows to their direct promotion aspirations. Brunori and his teammates must react, but Rigamonti Stadium is not known for high-scoring affairs. A draw or away win is likely in a match expected to yield medium to low goals.

Sudtirol vs. Lecco (02/03/24, CET 13:00)
Sudtirol escapes with a draw against Reggiana (1-1), maintaining a decent run with three consecutive positive results. On the contrary, Lecco suffers a collapse against Como in the Lake Derby (0-3), languishing at the bottom of the table. Urgent need for goals and victories for Lecco may result in a more attacking approach, leaving them vulnerable on the counter. It's a tricky match, leaning slightly towards the hosts in terms of technical and psychological advantage. However, considering Lecco's desperate need to score and their status as the league's worst defense (52 goals conceded), both teams could find the net.

Ternana vs. Parma (02/03/24, CET 13:00)
A Sicilian masterpiece: Ternana shocks Palermo at Barbera Stadium (2-3), climbing to a solitary 16th position and suddenly eyeing direct survival (2 points above). The determination shown by the home team suggests they could replicate the feat against Parma. The league leaders, despite two consecutive draws, may have relaxed a bit early - the third-placed team is now just six points behind. Parma seems superior on paper, but Ternana is currently a genuine contender. A draw or an away win is logical in a match where Ternana could still make an impact.

Ascoli vs. Reggiana (03/03/24, at 15:15 CET)
Pedro Mendes impresses, but Ascoli is forced to settle for a morale-boosting 1-1 draw against Brescia. They look to improve at home against Reggiana, who hasn't won in five matches and risks being dragged into the relegation battle if they lose at Del Duca Stadium. Both teams have much at stake, with Reggiana happy with two out of three possible results. Expectations are for a match with a medium to low scoreline, with Ascoli expected to push for a win. Ultimately, goals could come from both ends.

Bari vs. Spezia (03/03/24, at 15:15 CET)
A bitter defeat for Bari in Calabria, falling 2-0 to Catanzaro and failing another key moment in their season. Returning to San Nicola Stadium, where they've always been successful under Beppe Iachini, they face Spezia. A midweek fixture cursed also for the Ligurians, who suffered a shock defeat to FeralpiSalò (0-2). For Spezia, what was supposed to be their turnaround game has turned into a nightmare. Survival becomes increasingly challenging. Expect a tense, physical match with few scoring opportunities. Bari might edge it eventually, but unless Spezia collapses, goals will be scarce.

Cittadella vs. Pisa (03/03/24, at 15:15 CET)
Misfortune at Penzo Stadium: Cittadella succumbs to Venezia in the derby (2-0), marking their seventh consecutive defeat. Coach Gorini applauds his players' efforts, but the upcoming match against Pisa feels like a final chance. Failure to secure a result could prompt changes for the forward-thinking club. Pisa also faces internal pressure, with fans calling for Aquilani's dismissal after a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Modena - with playoff relegation just two points away. At Tombolato Stadium, fear will reign, but both teams play attacking football: expect goals.

Como vs. Venezia (03/03/24, at 15:15 CET)
Both Como and Venezia wear derby smiles: Como comfortably wins against Lecco (3-0), while Venezia struggles but defeats Cittadella with clinical efficiency (2-0). Both teams continue to dream of direct promotion, with Venezia currently second and Como just two points behind. Another big match unfolds at Sinigaglia Stadium after a draw against Parma last weekend. Como appears stronger defensively, while Venezia boasts a more potent attacking force - particularly Joel Pohjanpalo, the league's top scorer with 14 goals. Disregarding the first leg result (3-0 win for Venezia) and Como's evolution since then, it promises to be an open, uncertain match with both teams likely to score.

Cosenza vs. Catanzaro (03/03/24, at 15:15 CET)
Quality and pride: Cosenza holds Parma to a draw (1-1) and remains unbeaten against the league leaders this season. A result that boosts confidence and keeps them within touching distance of the playoffs (-3). Meanwhile, Catanzaro flies high with three wins in the last four matches and no defeats in the last six, securing a solid sixth position. However, the Calabrian derby is unpredictable: approach with caution, both in terms of goals and final outcome. Those looking for a risk should keep an eye on a draw - Marulla Stadium has seen five consecutive draws in previous encounters.

FeralpiSalò vs. Sampdoria (03/03/24, at 15:15 CET)
FeralpiSalò keeps fighting, winning away against Spezia (0-2) and securing a vital relegation battle. Liguria seems to favor the Reds - six points in two away games - compared to Sampdoria's home struggles. The Mantia-led team is yet to score at home. Sampdoria, already surprised in the first leg and defeated with the same result (1-2) against Cremonese in the midweek fixture, faces another possible setback. Manager Pirlo stated that "the squad was built for promotion but the goal is survival." At the moment, not even that is guaranteed. Due to the technical gap, a draw or Sampdoria's victory seems more likely.

Modena vs. Cremonese (03/03/24, at 17:30)
Modena continues their streak of draws, securing their fifth consecutive with a 2-2 result against Pisa. Bianco's team has caught up with Cittadella in seventh place but faces tough competition for the playoffs. Meanwhile, Cremonese celebrates a crucial away win against Genoa (1-2), staying close to second place and extending their unbeaten streak to eight matches. Both teams excel defensively, although Cremonese's attack, boosted by Johnsen, remains a threat. Cremonese proves to be one of the mentally strongest teams in Serie B. Expect a draw or an away win with a medium to low-scoring trend.