Mantova (home)
- Mantova, who sit 17th in the table with 23 points from 25 games, are a compact, physical unit that has played with an aggressive, defensive mindset since Francesco Modesto took charge in December.
- They press opponents aggressively in short bursts and then hit them on the counter-attack with pace and power up front.
- Mantova have lost their last two games.
- Mantova have won one, drawn one and lost three of their last five Serie B matches.
Sampdoria (away)
- Sampdoria are unbeaten in five Serie B games, winning three and drawing two.
- They are likely to come up against a very different style from Angelo Gregucci’s men, who will seek to dictate possession and play a high defensive line.
- Sampdoria like to play on the front foot and will overload the flanks with wing-backs to create chances.
- Sampdoria boss Angelo Gregucci, who took over in October, has instilled a more proactive style of play in which his players press high and play with a positive attitude.
Head-to-Head
- Mantova and Sampdoria have one win apiece from three Serie B head-to-head meetings with one draw.
- Mantova won the last head-to-head when they went to Sampdoria, triumphing 1-0 three months ago.
Key Players
- Massimo Coda has scored nine goals in 22 Serie B appearances this term.
- Francesco Ruocco is Mantova’s main man in front of goal with seven in 18 games.
- Ruocco has been the team’s main goalscorer lately with two of their last six goals and should get his opportunities against a high line.
Betting Insights
- Sampdoria are the rightful favourites at around 2.66 with Mantova available at 2.84.
- Backing over 2.5 goals at 2.2 looks like the value pick.
- Sampdoria have conceded 18 goals in 12 away games this season.
- Mantova have won four, drawn two and lost six at home this season, scoring 16 goals in their 12 outings.
Prediction
- Sampdoria have enough momentum coming into this game to edge past a Mantova side that were beaten 2-0 away at relegation rivals Catanzaro three days ago.
- But Sampdoria will not have things all their own way as Mantova have the grit to grind out a draw in this one while the home advantage should also count for something.
- With Sampdoria’s mixed away record (they have lost seven and drawn four of their 12 away games this term), backing the draw looks like a good play.
