One of the most interesting games of in Serie B seventh round will take place on Friday when Mantova arrive at San Nicola. After two away wins, Bari climbed up on the standings and joined the leading teams. The city is euphoric, main topic is coach Conte’a excellent work and there are speculations that he will be the next coach of big Juventus, whose captain he was few years ago. Mantova are shaken by the loss in Trieste that practically came out of the blue. One distracted moment ten minutes before time cost them a point. They could have done more but coach Bruccato didn’t do good with a three-forward formation that were cut-off. Virgiliani have eight points but also a game in hand. This was their first failure in the season.

Bari took points from Ascoli

At Del Duca stadium, Pugliesi proved to be in great physical shape; they had few good actions but the good play in the first half that resulted in the lead turned into a catenaccio till the end of the game. They needlessly closed the formation and managed to hold on to the minimum lead only thank to their keeper Gillet. Experienced Belgian saved three or four clear-cut shots and brought three huge points to the visitors. Interestingly Bari still haven’t won in front of their fans, drew with Triestina, Livorno and Brescia and the materialization was their biggest problem. They can of course be satisfied with their tally, as in this early stage of the season the most important thing is not to lose, but they will anyway have to improve their form at home.

Mantova mustn’t repeat the last season

Mantova were a big disappointment; dropped from the biggest promotion contender to the eighth place, without a chance in the play-offs, even. There were speculations about the new coach, and possible return of Mimmo di Carlo who led them to Serie B few years ago but that didn’t happen. President Lori’s decision to trust Bruccato who was only a temporary solution, is a bit strange. But if Bruccato doesn’t start winning in continuity, he will probably lose his post. We should mention that Mantova have one of the most experienced teams in the league but they somehow lack the hunger for victory. This could change under the pressure of the fans that are known to be very loyal, but lately they are not so satisfied which they are openly showing on the stands. The crowd wants to go one step forward, that is to say to get to the Serie A.

Betting Verdict

We don’t dare try betting on the final outcome, as Bari are the ones to attack and the duels with Livorno and Brescia showed that they don’t have a clue how to do that. Caridi, Godeas and Corona, no to mention experienced Locatelli are very dangerous when they have space. That is why home side won’t rush. Last year Bari won 2:0 but Mantova were the favourites back then. Now the roles are reversed. We believe that there won’t be many goals; this is a tough match and it won’t be a surprise if we saw another draw from Bari at San Nicola stadium.