Expert page

Palermo host Mantova in the Coppa Italia Round of 32 at the Stadio Renzo Barbera. Both clubs compete in Serie B this season, making this cup encounter a match between familiar league clubs, but with distinct momentum and tactical priorities. Palermo have enjoyed a flawless start to their Serie B campaign. In the Coppa Italia Round of 64, they comfortably eliminated Serie A side Lecce 2-0. They carried that standard into Serie B, winning 1–0 against Juve Stabia at home and earning a dramatic 3-2 away victory over Arezzo. Driven by City Football Group, Palermo's primary goal is automatic promotion to Serie A, but deep cup runs provide squad rotation and build winning culture. Mantova produced one of the early shocks of the tournament by defeating Lazio 2-0 in Rome during the Round of 64. In Serie B, they kicked off with a 2-1 win at Carrarese followed by an impressive 3-1 home win over Empoli. While survival in the upper-half of Serie B finish remain their baseline league goals, their cup triumph in Rome proves they are dangerous opponents who take the Coppa Italia seriously.