Cosenza-Ascoli is a Serie B Week 18 match to be played on Sunday at 14:00: odds, predictions, TV and streaming.
Seven days ago Cosenza sank in the lagoon. A defeat without appeal at home to Venezia (2-0) and a positive series interrupted after four rounds, in which there had been success against Palermo and three draws in a row against Cittadella, Perugia and Brescia. It was the second knockout since William Viali, who took over from the exonerated Dionigi at the end of October, took the bench.
The change of pace, in reality, has only partly taken place since the arrival of the former Cesena coach. The Rossoblù have a more proactive attitude compared to the previous management, but it is clear that the squad has obvious limits and it will not be easy to bring home yet another risky salvation. The Serie B classification, especially in the lower reaches of the table, is still very short – seven teams bunched within seven points – but since last day Cosenza have fallen back into the red zone. Only Como and Perugia have done worse than the Lupi.
It is certain that decisive action will be needed in the forthcoming January market to avoid relegation. Ascoli, on stage in Calabria this weekend, are not doing well either. Cristian Bucchi’s bianconeri are not shining, as witnessed by their six-day winless streak. Between November and December there were only four draws and two defeats for the Marche side, who nevertheless managed to snatch a draw (0-0) against Gilardino’s Genoa last Sunday. Ascoli, however, are in danger of moving away from the playoff zone: the Picchio are currently in tenth position.
Cosenza-Ascoli: latest line-up news
In addition to Corsi and Kongolo, who are now out, Calò and Gozzi, both struggling with muscle problems, will also be out for this match. The former Benevento director’s place will be taken by Voca, while Martino will play on the left. Larrivey returns up front from the 1′.
Falasco
Ascoli have Bellusci and Simic back, who will resume their places on the left flank and in the centre of defence respectively. In attack Bucchi relies on the Dionisi-Gondo duo.
The prediction
Two teams fighting for different goals but both need to redeem some less than brilliant performances. With Viali on the bench, Cosenza have never lost at home and should be able to avoid defeat against Ascoli, who have not won since October. The total goals will most likely be less than four.
The Cosenza-Ascoli matchday squad
- COSENZA (4-3-2-1): Marson; Rispoli, Rigione, Vaisanen, Martino; Vallocchia, Voca, Florenzi; Merola, Brignola; Larrivey.
- ASCOLI (3-5-2): Guarna; Simic, Botteghin, Quaranta; Ciciretti, Collocolo, Eramo, Caligara, Falasco; Gondo, Dionisi.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-1
