Preview: Spezia Hosts Mantova in Serie B Clash

ROME (Interstat) — Two Italian Serie B sides heading in opposite directions meet Sunday when struggling Spezia hosts a surging Mantova at Stadio Alberto Picco.

The match, scheduled for April 12, 2026, is a rematch of a November encounter that saw Mantova deliver a commanding 4-1 victory at home. That result underscores the recent disparity between the clubs as the season enters its final weeks.

Mantova arrives with momentum, coming off a 1-0 home victory over Virtus Entella on April 6. That win is part of a strong recent run for the visitors, who have lost just once in their last five league matches, a stretch that includes a 3-0 win over Cesena and a road draw at Empoli. Their form has solidified a mid-table position with eyes on a potential late push.

In contrast, Spezia is mired in a defensive crisis. The Ligurian club is reeling from consecutive heavy defeats, a 3-1 loss at Carrarese and a 4-2 defeat at Verona, both on April 6. Their form has been dismal, with just one win in their last ten outings across all competitions. The squad has conceded 18 goals in its last five matches alone, a vulnerability Mantova’s attack will look to exploit.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the contest is projected to end in a 1-1 draw. That result would likely satisfy Mantova more on the road, while doing little to ease Spezia’s relegation concerns.

The fixture carries significant weight for the home side’s morale. Manager Luca D’Angelo faces mounting pressure to shore up a leaky defense that has undermined sporadic offensive sparks, such as a 4-2 win over Monza earlier in March.

For Mantova, built on a more resilient foundation, the game represents an opportunity to complete a season double over Spezia and continue climbing the table ahead of a challenging schedule next month that includes matches against Monza and Frosinone.

Spezia will be without suspended midfielder Viktor Kovalenko, while Mantova reports a full squad available for selection.

Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. local time (1300 GMT) in La Spezia.