Verdict: Spezia win
Best Odds: 20/21
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Looking to move within touching distance of the automatic promotion spots, Spezia will welcome Palermo to the Stadio Alberto Picco on Sunday afternoon.
Spezia
Starting with the hosts, while Spezia might have spent the majority of last season scrapping it out in the bottom-half of the Serie B standings, Luca D’Angelo’s camp have come roaring back in some style. Cementing their spot as one of Italy’s ultimate surprise packages, the Little Eagles are enjoying what has become an extended purple patch. Last seen putting in another eye-catching performance as they clinched a 2-0 victory away at Cittadella, the former Pisa boss should find the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Looking to move within touching distance of the automatic promotion spots this weekend, Spezia have won each of their previous three Serie B appearances by an aggregate score of 8-1. Laying down a marker on January 19th as they stormed their way to a 4-0 romp against Carrarese, Sunday’s hosts have also suffered just a sole second-tier defeat since the start of December.
Spezia Team News
Once again missing out against Cittadella last week, Spezia are once again sweating over the fitness of former Bristol City midfielder Adam Nagy on Sunday afternoon. However, in what will be a welcomed boost this weekend, Inter Milan loanee Francesco Pio Esposito will return from a one-match suspension.
Now recording three goals in his back-to-back Serie B appearances over the past fortnight, Luca Vignali will start in the middle of the park. Recently cementing his spot as D’Angelo’s number one choice, veteran goalkeeper Leandro Chichzola will keep his spot between the sticks.
Palermo
As for the visitors, although Palermo might still find themselves sat in the driving seat to punch another play-off ticket this season, Alessio Dionisi’s side are desperately seeking some recent stability. Slumping to a 2-1 loss at home against Pisa last time out, the former Sassuolo boss has seen his squad suffer consecutive Serie B defeats over the past fortnight. Heading into Italy’s festive break with a 2-1 loss at the hands of Cittadella, the Sicily-based outfit find just their goal difference keeping them in the play-off places. Losing six of their previous nine Serie B appearances, Palermo have also continued to show some glaring issues on the road. Last seen on their travels falling to a 2-1 defeat against Reggiana, Sunday’s guests have lost all of their previous four away fixtures across all competitions 7-3. It should also be noted, Dionisi’s camp have failed to muster a single victory outside of Sicily since the end of September.
Palermo Team News
Dealing with what has become an injury crisis, Palermo will once again be without the likes of Roberto Insigne, Alfred Gomes and former Venezia striker Francesco Di Mariano on Sunday afternoon. However, recently returning to Dionisi’s squad last week, ex-Bologna star Federico Di Francesco could get some more minutes under his belt.
Notching a consolation strike against Pisa last week and recording a pair of Serie B strikes since returning from Italy’s festive break, Matteo Brunori should keep his spot leading the line this weekend.
Key Factors to Consider
- Spezia have won each of their previous three Serie B appearances by an aggregate score of 8-1.
- Sunday’s hosts have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous nine Serie B appearances.
- Continuing on from last season, Spezia have not suffered a single defeat at the the Stadio Alberto Picco since February 2024.
- Palermo have lost six of their previous nine Serie B appearances.
- Likewise, the Eagles have lost their last four consecutive away fixtures by an aggregate score of 7-3.
Conclusion
Looking to move within touching distance of the automatic promotion spots on Sunday afternoon, Spezia will be confident of extend on their recent purple patch. Winning each of their previous three Serie B appearances by an aggregate score of 8-1, Sunday’s hosts have also gained a fearsome reputation for their success on home soil. In fact, D’Angelo’s promotion contenders have not suffered a single Serie B defeat at the Stadio Alberto Picco over the past 12 months. Meeting a Palermo squad that have continued to show some glaring issues outside of Sicily, we are backing a home victory this weekend.
Verdict: Spezia win
Best Odds: 20/21
Bookmaker: Dachbet
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
