Mantova 0-2 Palermo result, stats and report

Mantova looked set to hold on for all three points before Vanja Vlahović equalised deep into stoppage time to earn Pisa a 2-2 draw in a bad-tempered, open Serie B encounter.

Calcio Padova produced a remarkable away victory at Palermo, with Dominic Vavassori scoring twice to overturn an early deficit and hand the home side a first defeat in five Serie B matches.

Walid Cheddira gave Avellino the lead on the hour mark but Dennis Johnsen equalised within three minutes for Palermo, leaving the hosts to rue three big chances missed in a frustrating 1-1 draw.

Mantova made it count when it mattered, finishing the sharper of two evenly matched sides to claim a 2-0 Serie B win over Sampdoria, whose profligacy in front of goal proved fatal.

Palermo won 2-1 against Sampdoria despite being outpossessed and outshot, with early goals from Gabriel Strefezza and Joel Pohjanpalo proving enough to hold off a Sampdoria side that created plenty but converted little.

Two of Serie B's form sides collide on Saturday as Mantova host Palermo, with both teams carrying serious momentum into a fixture that could have real implications at the top of the division.

Catanzaro arrive at this Serie B fixture having lost four of their last five matches, while Mantova roll into town with three wins from their last five. Something has to give.

Palermo arrive at Empoli on Saturday full of confidence after four straight Serie B wins, but the hosts have quietly tightened up and will not roll over. This one matters.