On Wednesday night, struggling Ascoli welcome promotion-chasing Bari to the Stadio Cino e Lillo Del Duca in a potentially crucial game at both ends of Serie B.
Ascoli are currently second from bottom in the Italian second tier, five points away from safety and four away from the relegation play-off spots.
An inconsistent recent run of form has hampered the home side’s chances of survival this season. Serse Cosmi’s side has at least avoided defeat in their last two outings, having picked up one win, and a draw last time out against Spezia.
A poor recent run of form at home in Serie B has contributed to Ascoli’s lowly position in the Italian second tier, as they have won just two of their last nine home games in the league. However, both of those victories have been in their last three home games in Serie B.
Ascoli has won just one of their last five meetings with the visitors. A win in this clash would be a timely one for their survival hopes, though.
Bari are currently fifth-place in the table and in the play-off places. However, the visitors are just five points behind second-place Frosinone, who have played a game more.
The visitors are now seven games unbeaten in Serie B, but Fabio Grosso’s side has drawn three of their last four league games. Last time out the visitors ended a run of three draws with a 3-0 victory over Brescia.
Bari has a decent recent away record in Serie B, having lost just one of their last seven away games in the Italian second tier. Despite their recent decent away record in the league, Bari has scored just five goals in their last five away games.
Forebet predicts that Bari will improve their chances of promotion with a victory in a low-scoring clash.