Bitesize Prediction: Catanzaro vs Palermo – 26/01/24

Competition: Serie B

Market: Over 1.5 goals

Odds: 4/11 @ Pribet

Two sides who have their sights set on clinching a play-off ticket this season, Palermo will travel to Catanzaro on Friday night.

Starting with the hosts, while Catanzaro might have gained a string of plaudits since making their Serie B return this season, Vincenzo Vivarini’s men are in the midst of an extended wobble. Making an immediate return to losing ways last weekend as they eventually slumped to a woeful 3-0 drumming at the hands of Feralpisalo, the Southern Eagles have lost four of their previous five second-tier appearances – a run that stems back to December 9th. Signing off 2023 with a 1-0 defeat against Reggiana, the former Bari boss will also have a mounting headache over his side’s continued defensive issues. Despite securing an action-packed 5-3 victory against Lecco earlier in the month, Catanzaro have shipped 11 strikes in their last five Serie B showdowns. Likewise, along with recording just a single clean sheet over the past couple of months, it should also be noted that Friday’s hosts have seen all of their last 10 home fixtures finish with over 1.5 goals.

As for the visitors, sat firmly in pole position to secure a play-off ticket this season, some in Eugenio Corini’s side could be dreaming of the chance to mount a top-two charge. Making an immediate return to winning ways last weekend as they secured a lively 2-1 victory at home against Modena, the Eagles have lost just one of their previous six Serie B appearances and they have continued to impress with their clinical performances in the final third. Signing off 2023 with a 3-2 win against Cremonese, the former Lecce boss has seen his squad bag 36 second-tier strikes in their 21 appearances this season. Holding the second-best attacking tally in Serie B, Palermo could be smelling the chance to make a statement here. However, it should be noted that Friday’s guests have shown some worrying issues on the road. Including an action-packed 3-3 draw away at Como last month, Corini’s men are without a win from their previous five showdowns away from the Stadio Renzo Barbera – a run that stems back to October 7th.

Bet: Over 1.5 goals at Catanzaro vs Palermo 4/11 for Friday’s Serie B battle @ Pribet