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AI-written editorial preview · updated 2026-08-17 18:29 UTC
Serie B season begins with Carrarese hosting Mantova
The new Serie B season kicks off on Saturday, 22 August 2026, with Carrarese welcoming Mantova to the Stadio dei Marmi for their opening matchday fixture.
Carrarese are expected to field a lineup featuring Fabio Abiuso and Moustapha Cisse in forward roles, supported by Yanis Khafi and Tommaso Rubino in midfield. The defence is likely to be marshalled by Lorenzo Romani and Filippo Oliana, with Giovanni Garofani in goal. Mantova, meanwhile, are without Nicolo Radaelli due to injury. Their expected XI includes Ettore Gliozzi and Rares Ilie up front, with Francesco Ruocco and Alessio Castellini anchoring the defence, and Francesco Bardi between the posts.
Carrarese come into this league opener having played two recent fixtures. They suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Torino in the Coppa Italia on 15 August, following a 2-0 loss in a club friendly against SSC Napoli on 26 July. Their final Serie B matches of the previous season saw mixed results, including a 2-1 defeat to Virtus Entella and a goalless draw with Cesena.
Mantova also participated in the Coppa Italia, securing a notable 2-0 victory away to Lazio on 16 August. This cup success follows a challenging end to their previous Serie B campaign, which included a heavy 5-0 defeat at Frosinone. However, they did manage to secure wins against Monza, Sudtirol, and Spezia in the closing weeks of that season.
These two sides have met four times previously in Serie B, with Mantova holding a slight edge in the head-to-head record. The most recent encounter, on 1 March 2026, ended in a 1-1 draw. Prior to that, Mantova secured a 1-1 draw in December 2025 and a 2-1 victory in May 2025. Their first meeting, in October 2024, also finished all square at 1-1.
Mantova's recent form suggests they are a side that can finish strongly, with six of their last ten goals coming after the 75th minute. They have also demonstrated defensive solidity, keeping clean sheets in five of those matches. However, the closing stages have also been an area of concern defensively, with five goals conceded in the final 15 minutes of their last ten outings. Carrarese's coach has indicated a focus on making a strong impression in the league opener, suggesting a competitive approach from the outset.
Carrarese are playing their first league match of the season at home, a fixture that typically generates significant expectation and a strong desire to start positively in front of their own supporters. The club has highlighted limited ticket availability, pointing towards a potentially passionate and intense atmosphere at the Stadio dei Marmi. Mantova, buoyed by their recent cup upset, may arrive with a degree of confidence that could ease any early-season pressure.
Official expected line-ups for this match from the data feed. Locks as Confirmed ~1h before kickoff.
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