Preview: Cesena Hosts Mantova in Serie B Clash

CESENA, Italy (Interstat) — A mid-table Serie B clash with implications for the playoff race is set for Saturday as Cesena hosts Mantova at the Stadio Dino Manuzzi.

The matchup pits a Cesena side seeking consistency at home against a Mantova team desperate to halt a sudden slide. The visitors arrive having lost two straight, including a deflating 1-0 home defeat to Reggiana last Monday. That result halted momentum from a promising 4-1 rout of Spezia on Nov. 23.

Mantova’s form has been a rollercoaster. The club’s recent results include a strong three-game winning streak in early November, but also heavy losses like a 5-1 defeat to Frosinone’s U20 side in September. Their road record is a concern, with just one win in their last five away fixtures.

Cesena, meanwhile, is unbeaten in its last two outings. The Cavallucci Marini fought to a 1-1 draw at Padova on Monday, preceded by a solid 1-0 home victory over Modena on Nov. 28. Their home form has been a relative strength, with only one loss at the Manuzzi in their last five matches there.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the contest is projected to end in a 1-1 draw, highlighting the perceived evenness of the encounter.

For Mantova, the focus will be on rediscovering the defensive resilience that fueled its November wins after conceding four times in the last two games. Cesena will aim to control the tempo in front of its home supporters and capitalize on its opponent’s recent fragility.

The result could shift the landscape in a tightly packed Serie B table. Following this match, Cesena will prepare for a visit from Juve Stabia on Dec. 20. Mantova returns home to face Empoli on Dec. 21.

Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. local time (1300 GMT) on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025.