Spezia vs Mantova Match preview

Italian Serie B: Spezia vs Mantova

This is certainly the last chance for Spezia to keep the hope since they have failed to win in the last round unlike their rivals. In other words, this means that Liguriani are two points behind teams that share 20th place. If they don’t beat Mantova Serie C will be imminent. Until the end of the season, Spezia will travel to Pisa and host Grosseto so they can hardly count on maximum efficiency, although their rivals don’t need points. Mantova showed what they can do against Chievo; they were uninterested against weaker sides but they tried at Martelli to crush the leader. This doesn’t mean anything result-wise, since the season is lost but anyway, they demonstrated the individual quality that former coach Tesser failed to materialise

Anxiously waiting for the end

Not only because of possible relegation but because of financial problems ( it is still not sure whether Spezia will manage to get the guarantees for the next season ) Liguriani could end up in Serie C2, that is to say, in amateur rank. This squad fought bravely during the whole season but they had to let go few players this winter and there was no money for new back-ups. No one expected them to survive last year but they eliminated great Verona in the play-out. This fairy tale won’t have a happy ending since after WWII Spezia were unable to reach the second league for 50 whole years. If they get relegated now, we can hardly expect them to recover soon. They won two out of last three home games but they were up against direct rivals. Even in case they win, Spezia wouldn’t be safe to avoid automatic relegation since their direct rivals also expect to triumph.

Mantova have the best scorer of the league

Football can often be ironic. Excellent scorer Denis Godeas scored his 26th goals on Saturday and increased his lead on the head of the scoresheet. He delivered only one penalty this season (actually he missed one too). So what’s the irony? He solved the duel against Chievo, the club where he spent one season without scoring a single goal. And in the current season he beat Squizzi against Veronesi at Bentegodi and in the spring part of the season. Mantova are far away from the play-offs; they said goodbye to Serie A dreams few months ago although they were considered favourites for the first place. Next season is a chance for a new attempt and the biggest dilemma is who the coach will be. The fans want Di Carlo back who led the team until this season and then he ended his adventure in Parma.

Betting Verdict

One can never be sure with Mantova; they don’t play for points and they will probably field a combined line-up. But as we see it, Spezia won't succeed in surviving and it is not realistic to expect Mantova give away points. Try betting on goals, Godeas could solve the question of best scorer and this title of his will certainly be one of the rare positive things this season. That is why betting on over 2.5 goals is the best choice.

Team news : Bianchi and Zizzari are suspended for Spezia. Mantova dont have selection problems.

Our tip: Bet 6 on Over 2.5 goals
Odds 1.75 at
Bookmaker: Gamebookers