Luca Chierico ↑56′ · Alberto Cerri ↑57′ · Alessandro Arena ↑62′ · Kevin Leone ↑78′ · Leonardo Mancuso ↑78′⚽ · Marlon Mena · Shaka Mawuli · Francesco Serban · Andrea Cagnano · Davide Mancini · Aleandro Manes · Andrea Seculin
Coach · Cristian Bucchi
Match Preview
S.S. Arezzo vs Sudtirol Match Preview
AI-written editorial preview · updated 2026-09-18 13:39 UTC
Arezzo seek home momentum in high-stakes Sudtirol clash
S.S. Arezzo return to the Stadio Citta di Arezzo this Sunday, facing a Sudtirol side known for their defensive resilience in a match that carries significant local weight. With a near-capacity crowd expected for the 15:00 kick-off, the hosts are looking to solidify their standing in the Serie B table before the upcoming international break.
The tactical dilemma for the hosts
As the first month of the Serie B season draws to a close, the pressure on Arezzo to deliver a statement performance is palpable. Manager Bucchi is reportedly still deliberating over his attacking setup, weighing the merits of a three-man forward line against a more traditional two-striker formation. This decision is critical, as the coaching staff views Sudtirol as a formidable defensive unit that will likely force the home side to break down a compact and disciplined block.
Sudtirol’s defensive stability
Sudtirol arrive at this fixture having demonstrated a consistent ability to keep games tight, as evidenced by their recent run of results. Their defensive profile is expected to be a major hurdle for the Arezzo attack, which has shown both flashes of brilliance and vulnerability in recent weeks. For the visitors, the challenge will be maintaining that composure in what promises to be a high-pressure atmosphere fueled by strong local interest.
Team news and expected lineups
Both sides are preparing for a physically demanding afternoon. For the hosts, the expected XI features Alessandro Nunziante in goal, protected by a defensive line of Samuele Righetti, Mauro Coppolaro, and Matteo Gilli. The midfield is expected to be anchored by the trio of Artur Ionita, Mattia Viviani, and Shaka Mawuli, while Marco Olivieri, Pietro Cianci, and Alessandro Arena lead the charge in attack.
Sudtirol, meanwhile, face a notable setback with the absence of Hamza El Kaouakibi due to injury. Their expected lineup includes Alessandro Plizzari in goal, with Riccardo Stivanello, Andrea Giorgini, and Giacomo Stabile forming the defensive core. In midfield, Salvatore Molina, Fabio Rispoli, and Simone Tronchin are expected to provide the engine, supporting a forward line of Bjarki Steinn Bjarkason, Vasco Lopes, and Alvin Okoro.
Building on recent form
Arezzo’s season has been a rollercoaster, featuring a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Empoli in their most recent outing, which followed a difficult 5-0 loss to Hellas Verona. Their ability to bounce back from that setback will be tested against a Sudtirol side that has proven difficult to beat, despite their recent 1-0 loss to Genoa in the Coppa Italia. Historically, the head-to-head record leans in favor of the visitors, with Sudtirol securing a 1-0 win in their most recent meeting in March 2021 and a 4-0 victory in December 2020, adding an extra layer of motivation for the home side to rewrite the narrative.
