Spezia 0-2 Mantova: Serie B 2025-26 match report

Tactical control at the Picco

The Stadio Alberto Picco played host to a tactical clash on Sunday afternoon as Luca D’Angelo’s Spezia welcomed Francesco Modesto’s Mantova. The contrast in systems was evident from the opening whistle: Spezia opted for a traditional 4-4-2 setup, aiming to maintain defensive structure and utilize the flanks, while Mantova deployed a more fluid 3-4-2-1 formation designed to overload the midfield and create pockets of space behind the home side’s defensive line.

The early stages were characterized by physical intensity rather than fluid attacking play. Spezia’s A. Romano received a yellow card in the 13th minute, signaling the hosts' intent to disrupt Mantova’s rhythm early. However, the visitors adjusted quickly. When L. Mancuso was forced off in the 26th minute, D. Mensah’s introduction provided fresh energy that allowed Mantova to exert greater pressure on the Spezia backline. Despite a yellow card for A. Dembélé shortly after, the visitors’ structural discipline remained intact.

The decisive moments

The breakthrough arrived in the 32nd minute. T. Maggioni, operating with freedom on the right flank, delivered a precise ball into the box that found D. Bragantini. The forward made no mistake, finishing the chance to put Mantova ahead. The goal forced Spezia to chase the game, but they struggled to break down the disciplined three-man defensive unit employed by Modesto.

Recognizing the need for a drastic change, Luca D’Angelo made a triple substitution at the start of the second half. D. Mascardi, G. Aurelio, and G. Di Serio were introduced in place of B. Radunović, L. Sernicola, and G. Lapadula. The intent was to inject pace and directness into the Spezia attack, but the tactical shift failed to yield an immediate equalizer. Instead, the home side found themselves further frustrated when F. Bandinelli was cautioned in the 49th minute, limiting the team's ability to play with high-pressing aggression.

Mantova maintained their composure throughout the second half. Even as the game became increasingly fragmented with substitutions and cautions—including a yellow card for S. Trimboli just before the interval—the visitors remained the more clinical side. In the 72nd minute, the match was effectively put to bed. S. Trimboli turned provider, setting up N. Buso for Mantova’s second goal. The strike served as a testament to Mantova’s efficiency, as they capitalized on their limited but high-quality opportunities while keeping the Spezia attack at arm’s length for the remainder of the contest.

Looking ahead

The result at the Stadio Alberto Picco leaves Spezia with significant questions to answer regarding their offensive consistency as the season enters its final stretch. For Mantova, the victory reinforces the effectiveness of Francesco Modesto’s tactical approach and provides a vital boost to their standing in the Serie B table.