MODENA, Italy (Interstat) — Modena solidified its position in the Serie B promotion chase with a decisive 2-0 victory over visiting Carrarese on Saturday at Stadio Alberto Braglia.

The result, coming on Valentine’s Day 2026, extended Modena’s unbeaten run in the league to four matches and provided a more comfortable margin than most pregame projections. Interstat’s game simulator had predicted a 1-1 draw, though its ELO rating system heavily favored Modena with a 73.9% win probability.

Modena controlled proceedings from the start and broke through in the 33rd minute. Midfielder Yanis Massolin found the net for the hosts, assisted by defender Gady Beyuku. The goal capped a period of sustained pressure and sent Modena into halftime with a deserved lead.

The home side continued to dictate play in the second half, effectively limiting Carrarese’s opportunities. The visitors’ frustration became evident as the match grew increasingly physical, with eight yellow cards issued in the second half alone. Carrarese’s Nicolas Schiavi was booked in the 53rd minute, sparking a flurry of cautions that included three in the chaotic final moments of stoppage time.

Modena sealed the three points in the first minute of added time. Forward Gregoire Defrel, who had assisted on Massolin’s opener, secured his own goal to complete a standout performance. The insurance score came amid a flurry of activity from Modena’s substitutes, with Fabio Ruggeri credited with the assist.

The win improves Modena’s Serie B record to nine wins, five losses and six draws, keeping the club firmly in the upper tier of the table. Carrarese, meanwhile, sees its league mark fall to six wins, eight losses and eight draws, leaving it in the lower middle of the standings. The teams had played to a scoreless draw in their previous meeting on Oct. 1.

Carrarese’s recent form has been inconsistent. Prior to this loss, they fell 1-0 at Padova on Feb. 10 but had secured a 3-0 victory over Empoli FC on Jan. 23. Modena entered the match following a extended winter break, with its last Serie B contest being a 2-1 home loss to Monza on Dec. 26.

Defensively, Modena was organized throughout, recording its first clean sheet since a 2-0 win over Spezia on Dec. 13. Carrarese, which had scored three goals in two of its previous four league matches, was held off the scoresheet for the second time in its last three outings.

Looking ahead, Modena will travel to face Juve Stabia on Sunday, Feb. 22. Carrarese’s next Serie B fixture is at home against Monza on Saturday, Feb. 21.