Preview: Catanzaro Hosts Cesena in Serie B Clash

CATANZARO, Italy (Interstat) — A surging Catanzaro side will look to capitalize on home advantage and extend its unbeaten run when it hosts Cesena in a Serie B match on Saturday.

The contest at Stadio Nicola Ceravolo pits one of the division’s hottest teams against a visiting squad seeking consistency as the Italian second division resumes after the holiday break.

Catanzaro (8-5-3) enters with momentum, having won three consecutive matches. The most recent was a 2-1 road victory over Bari last Friday. The club has lost just once in its last nine outings, a stretch that includes notable wins over Palermo and a comeback 3-2 victory against Virtus Entella. Their form at home has been particularly strong, with four wins and a draw in their last five fixtures in front of their supporters.

Cesena (5-7-4), meanwhile, has drawn its last two matches, including a 1-1 result at home against Juve Stabia last Saturday. Their road form has been mixed, with a win, a loss and two draws in their last four away from home. A 3-2 win over Mantova on Dec. 13 highlights their attacking capability, but defensive solidity has been elusive.

According to the Interstat ELO system, Catanzaro is projected as a significant favorite with a 65.10 percent probability to win the match.

This match is the final fixture of the calendar year for both clubs. The Serie B winter break will follow before play resumes in January. Cesena is next scheduled to host Empoli FC on Jan. 10, while Catanzaro will travel to face Frosinone the same day.

Saturday’s kickoff is set for 3:45 p.m. local time (1445 GMT).