Preview: Ascoli Calcio 1898 FC vs. Ternana

ASCOLI PICENO, Italy (Interstat) — A pivotal Serie C clash is set for Friday as Ascoli Calcio 1898 FC hosts Ternana at Stadio Cino e Lillo Del Duca, with the visitors looking to extend an unbeaten run against a home side seeking to rebound from a heavy defeat.

The match, scheduled for Jan. 9, 2026, pits two sides with contrasting recent form. Ternana arrives with momentum, coming off a 2-1 home victory over US Livorno 1915 last Sunday. That result extended their unbeaten streak in the league to five matches (3 wins, 2 draws), a run that includes wins over AC Bra and AC Perugia Calcio. Their defense has been stout during this stretch, conceding just three goals.

Ascoli, meanwhile, is looking to recover from a disappointing 4-2 away loss to US Pianese on Jan. 3. That result snapped a three-match unbeaten streak of its own (1 win, 2 draws). Prior to the defeat, Ascoli had shown defensive solidity with three clean sheets in its previous five outings, including a 3-0 win at FC Forlì.

Historical data and current form have informed the projection from Interstat’s game simulator, which predicts a narrow 1-0 victory for the home side, Ascoli Calcio 1898 FC.

The teams have followed different paths this season. Ternana’s campaign includes a pair of 4-0 losses to Virtus Entella in August but has since found consistency. Ascoli has experienced more volatility, with results ranging from a 5-0 victory at US Città di Pontedera to several scoreless draws and shutout losses.

Friday’s contest will likely hinge on whether Ternana’s resurgent attack can break through Ascoli’s typically organized defense at home, and if Ascoli can rediscover its scoring touch after being held to one goal or fewer in four of its last five matches.

Kickoff is set for 8:45 p.m. local time.