Spezia
- Roberto Donadoni appears to have made a marked improvement to Spezia’s solidity and ability to scrap.
- The Bianconeri's recent run included a vital 3 - 2 away win at Cesena that helped lift them above the relegation zone.
- Spezia’s recent form is hard to assess as they have lost two, drawn two and won one of their Serie B matches.
- Gabriele Artistico has proven himself to be an unlikely late goal scorer for the hosts, coming off the bench to score in decisive moments, including a vital goal at Cesena.
- Spezia are an interesting and adaptive team that can play a back four or three when in possession and they can be dangerous in transition or when they overload the wings with their pace and skill.
Reggiana
- Lorenzo Rubinacci has had a similar impact to Donadoni, making Reggiana more organised and compact in his short reign since taking charge in early February.
- They have one win, one loss and three draws in their last five matches.
- Reggiana like to keep it simple and tight, frustrating opponents and picking their moment to hit on the break.
- Manolo Portanova remains their leading goalscorer, but he is often the late runner that gets on the end of chances.
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Recent form:
- Spezia: W1 L2 D2
- Reggiana: W1 L1 D3
Head-to-Head
- The current Serie B table places Spezia 17th, one point behind AC Reggiana, who are 15th.
- Both teams have had similar recent form, with a narrow win to either side or a draw the most likely outcome.
- The Stadio Alberto Picco is a tight, physical arena and games are usually gritty with few goals scored.
- This is a true relegation six-pointer with both teams needing points to pull away from the bottom four and the pressure of that could lead to a cagey game.
Key Players
- Gianluca Lapadula remains among Spezia’s top scorers this season, but the Bianconeri have not scored many goals recently and have been relying on goals from all over the field.
- Gabriele Artistico has proven himself to be an unlikely late goal scorer for the hosts, coming off the bench to score in decisive moments, including a vital goal at Cesena.
- Manolo Portanova remains Reggiana’s leading goalscorer and is often the late runner that gets on the end of chances.
- Giuseppe Aurelio, Spezia’s attacking left-back, has chipped in with goals this season and is never far from the ball as he pushes forward at every opportunity.
- Francesco Cassata may be unavailable due to injury and Charlys will be suspended for Reggiana.
Betting Insights
- The bookmakers have Spezia as slight favourites here at around the evens, with Reggiana at 3.85 and a draw at 3.2.
- The market and recent trends point to a low-scoring affair, and we like the odds on under 2.5 goals here.
Prediction
- A narrow win to either side or a draw feels most likely in this relegation six-pointer.
- Expect a cagey, physical game at the Stadio Alberto Picco with chances at a premium.
