Catanzaro
- Aquilani has instilled a clear tactical identity and style of play at Catanzaro.
- Catanzaro favour possession-based, pro-active football with high pressing in the opposition half and dynamic positional rotations.
- Catanzaro have averaged 1.79 goals scored and only 1.21 goals conceded per game at home in Serie B.
- The hosts will be expected to come out on top in this crucial encounter for both sides’ aspirations, sitting 5th in the table with 59 points after 38 games, ten more than 8th-placed Avellino.
Avellino
- Avellino, meanwhile, are playing their best football under Davide Ballardini, who was appointed in February.
- His pragmatic approach is based on compact organisation, defensive solidity, high levels of focus in physical duels and the ability to transition quickly and play vertical football when the situation allows.
- Since Ballardini took charge, Avellino have won three, drawn one and lost one of their last five, a run which began with a 1-0 home win over Modena, bouncing back from an away defeat to Empoli.
- Avellino have won just four and lost ten of their 19 away games in Serie B, while failing to win in their last two visits to Catanzaro.
- Ballardini has brought stability to the club, and as Tommaso Biasci is their top scorer with 12 in 34 Serie B matches, they don’t possess the same attacking outlet that Catanzaro do.
Head-to-Head
- The last time they met in Serie B, three weeks ago, the game ended in a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Partenio in Avellino.
- Catanzaro hold the edge in the head-to-head record.
Key Players
- Filippo Pittarello has scored 12 goals in 29 Serie B games for Catanzaro, including five of his team’s last 11.
- Tommaso Biasci is their top scorer with 12 in 34 Serie B matches.
Betting Insights
- Catanzaro are a slight favorite to win the game at 2.17.
- Avellino are priced at 3.49.
- The current odds for Over 2.5 goals seem very generous, coming in at a shade of even.
Prediction
- Catanzaro have been solid at home in Serie B, losing just two of their 19 home games (W9, D8, L2).
- Avellino, meanwhile, have scored just 17 goals in 19 away games in Serie B.
- Considering their dominance in the head-to-head record, Catanzaro’s strength at home and the fact that the odds are slightly in their favour, the home side should edge this closely contested game.
