Mantova vs Palermo prediction, odds and how to watch

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.

Mantova took the lead through Francesco Ruocco in the first half and held firm for long stretches, but Cesena's dominance in possession and attacking volume eventually earned them a share of the points in this Serie B encounter.

Mantova led through Edoardo Saporiti's header but Empoli scored three times in the final half-hour to claim a 3-1 away victory in a match that turned completely on its head after the break.

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.