AI-written editorial preview · updated 2026-08-28 17:23 UTC
Mantova and Empoli clash in early Serie B test
Mantova look to maintain their momentum as they return to the Stadio Danilo Martelli for their second outing of the new Serie B campaign. The hosts welcome Empoli this Sunday, 30 August 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 CET in what promises to be a compelling tactical encounter.
Mantova's confident start to the season
Having kicked off their league campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory away at Carrarese on 22 August, Mantova enter this match with significant wind in their sails. Their form has been notably resilient, bolstered by a surprising 2-0 success against Lazio in the Coppa Italia earlier in August. With Ettore Gliozzi leading the line, the home side will look to leverage their recent defensive solidity, having kept clean sheets in half of their last ten competitive fixtures.
Empoli's search for consistency
Empoli arrive at the Stadio Danilo Martelli following a narrow 1-0 win over Cremonese in their opening Serie B match on 22 August. While they have proven difficult to beat, their recent form has been a mix of grit and occasional lapses. The visitors will be looking to striker Stiven Shpendi to continue his impressive run, as the forward has netted five times in his last ten appearances for the club.
Team news and expected lineups
Both sides are expected to field familiar faces as they navigate the early stages of the season. Mantova are expected to rely on a balanced setup featuring Francesco Bardi in goal, with Stefano Cella and Bodin Tomasevic anchoring the defence. For Empoli, the expected XI includes Jacopo Seghetti in goal and a forward line spearheaded by the in-form Shpendi.
However, Empoli will have to navigate this fixture without the services of Joseph Ceesay, who is ruled out due to suspension. This absence may force a slight reshuffle in their tactical approach as they look to contain the hosts' attacking threats.
Historical context and tactical expectations
Recent meetings between these two clubs have often been tight, competitive affairs. Their last encounter on 14 March 2026 ended in a 2-2 draw, highlighting the narrow margins that often separate these sides. Looking back further, Empoli secured a 1-0 victory at this venue in December 2025, suggesting that Mantova will be keen to set the record straight on their home turf.
Expect a tactical battle in the middle of the park, where Mantova’s Simone Trimboli and Jonathan Silva will likely face off against Empoli’s Gerard Yepes and Luca Magnino. With both teams showing a capacity for late-game drama, the final twenty minutes of the match could prove decisive in determining the outcome.
Empoli
3-4-2-1
● Confirmed
11
Shpendi
20
↓72′
Distefano
10
⚽↓86′
Saporiti
98
↓55′
Zedadka
21
↓72′
Yepes
8
Magnino
35
Egan
33
Cauz
91
↓86′
Corrado
25
Curto
12
Seghetti
Bench (12)
Luca Belardinelli ↑55′ · Lapo Deli ↑72′ · Bogdan Popov ↑72′ · Andrea Orlandi ↑86′ · Samuele Perisan · Simone Romagnoli · Emiliano Filippis · Gabriele Indragoli · Lorenzo Tosto · Mattia Huqi · Edoardo Biondini · Joseph Ceesay
Coach · Guido Pagliuca
Confirmed by FIFA officials.
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