Palermo 2-0 Catanzaro result, stats and report

Sampdoria ended a four-match losing streak in Serie B with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Catanzaro, with Lorenzo Insigne and substitute Tjas Begic providing the goals after Stefan Gartenmann's own goal gave the home side a half-time lead.

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.

Pietro Iemmello's 83rd-minute right-foot finish settled a tight Serie B contest at Catanzaro, giving the hosts a victory their pressure probably deserved. Carrarese arrived with a poor recent record and left with nothing.

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.

Hellas Verona host Catanzaro on Friday night with both sides carrying inconsistent form and questions that need answering. This is a fixture neither team can afford to treat lightly.

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.