- Spezia have won one of their last five games, losing three including two consecutive 3-1 away defeats.
- Mantova have won three of their last five, including a 1-0 home win over Virtus Entella, with one loss and one draw.
Spezia’s survival story
At the end of a long season, the Serie B table tells you all you need to know about which teams have been good and which have been bad, but the games between the sides are usually a chess match. That’s exactly how Sunday’s Spezia vs Mantova preview looks.
In Serie B, Mantova currently sit in 12th with 37 points from 33 games, Spezia are in 20th with 30 from 33. Luca D’Angelo was brought in as manager in late March, and he has implemented pragmatic, shape-first tactics focused on defensive balance and wing-back play. This Spezia vs Mantova prediction highlights that Spezia are a team that do not take risks, they build up in a structured manner, transition when the opportunity arises and they’re compact in the midfield with their wing-backs playing a key role in width. Gabriele Artistico is the key man, with 11 goals in 28 Serie B games, and he’s scored three of their last seven.
Mantova will look to outball Spezia
Mantova’s direct, vertical style will test the structure that Spezia likes to play with, and their ability to control the half-spaces and win the wing-back battles will dictate who comes out on top. For those searching for Spezia vs Mantova betting tips, Francesco Modesto has been at the helm since December, and he has set up his side to be compact, tough to beat, and to hit teams on the counter. They are not a side that likes to take risks, but Mantova are a well-organised, disciplined unit, and Francesco Ruocco is their main goal threat with seven in 20 appearances in Serie B.
Mantova’s away form is a concern
Spezia’s home form is poor, with just four wins, five draws and seven losses in Serie B, averaging just 0.94 goals per home game. However, they have gone unbeaten in their last two games at home, with a win and a draw, and will look to build on that on Sunday. The Spezia vs Mantova prediction includes Mantova’s form on the road as shaky at best, having failed to win in their last two away matches, but they have two wins, four draws and 10 defeats on the road, scoring 0.75 goals and allowing 1.44 per game.
Expect goals, expect Mantova
Mantova are clear favourites in this matchup and they will hope to get a victory to consolidate their mid-table status. The odds on an away win are favourable, but Spezia are in a relegation battle, and they have enough fight to make this a tough game. We’re going for a Mantova win, but we think they could be involved in a high-scoring matchup, so we’re also going for Over 2.5 goals and Both Teams to Score.
