The Serie B appears to be exciting so far, with several teams vying for promotion with two of them tied at the top with equal points on board.

Lecce will travel to play Albinoleffe in what should be a relatively easy encounter. The Salentini are in second place on goal difference and should be able to take three points from their trip, but the tifosi will be worried since the side have struggled on its travels. Both the Salentini and league leaders Ancona have a near perfect record at home, but have been less impressive in away games.

Ancona will be travelling to face Grosseto in a tricky clash since the home team have only lost once at the Stadio Olimpico Carlo Zecchini. The Torelli rely on their offense, but the defensive line remains an area of concern that will certainly allow the visiting side’s attack plenty of space to score goals. The league leaders share, again with Lecce, the record of having scored the highest number of goals so far this season, with 27 strikes till date.

Third placed Empoli will visit mid-table team Brescia in one of the round’s most intriguing clashes, as the home side have one of the better home records while Empoli have failed to impress in away games. The visitors may aim for a draw to return home with a point to show for their efforts.

Emerging club Cesena will host a stuttering Frosinone whose players must be facing intense pressure as the recent free-fall has left them in a mid-table position. Given the situation and the recent results of both teams, it is likely the hosts will end up on top.

Modena visit Cittadella in a clash between two sides with balanced offense and defence, which makes the outcome of the encounter even less clear. A draw could very well leave both sides pleased with the outcome.

In perhaps the round’s most anticipated clash due to the repercussions of another negative result for the visitors, a tottering Torino side will be hosted by the improving Gallipoli. The home team do not have a strong record in their own backyard, while Torino appear to achieve similar results home and away. The main concern is for the Toro are an unconvincing run of results in recent times, which will add tremendous pressure on the players, coaching staff and management.

Elsewhere, Vicenza should be able to easily defeat low-ranking Piacenza while Triestina have the opportunity to close in on the leaders when they welcome Crotone at their home fortress.

Ascoli host Reggina in a clash between two clubs separated by a point and trying to avoid relegation. The match may favor Ascoli only because they are playing at home. Finally, two balanced encounters will feature Mantova take on Salernitana and Sassuolo welcome Padova.

Salernitana are gasping for air as they find themselves in the whirlpool of the relegation zone, and will not budge from the bottom of the table even if a victory can be achieved in Modena. The hosts are one position above the visitors but a distant seven points ahead in the standings. A defeat for Salernitana will likely confirm that the club will be headed to relegation at the end of the season. The home side must take advantage and win the match to begin the process of climbing out of the relegation zone.

Here are the fixtures:
Albinoleffe – Lecce
Ascoli – Reggina
Brescia – Empoli
Cesena – Frosinone
Cittadella – Modena
Gallipoli – Torino
Grosseto – Ancona
Mantova – Salernitana
Sassuolo – Padova
Triestina – Crotone
Vicenza – Piacenza

Rami Soufi, Football Italiano