Form and context

Arezzo host Ascoli on Sunday in the tenth round of Serie B, with the home side under pressure after two recent defeats. Ascoli arrive in strong form, having beaten Sampdoria 2-0 in their last league outing. Arezzo's coach Bucchi faces his former club, and the match is seen as crucial for him and the sporting director.

Team news

• Arezzo: The club must deal with several injured players, including Chierico and Gilli, who went off early in the defeat at Carrarese and will need to be evaluated for Sunday. Righetti and Renzi are expected to return to the defence from the first minute, with Ferrari confirmed, while Ionita returns in midfield alongside Leone and Iaccarino.
• Ascoli: Tomei has everyone available apart from long-term absentee Alagna. Gori could start up front in place of Brunori, while Milanese should return from the first minute in place of Acampora.

What the numbers say

• Arezzo's last five in all competitions brought one win, one draw and three defeats, including a 2-1 loss at Carrarese and a 0-3 home defeat to Benevento.
• Ascoli's last five in all competitions produced three wins and two draws, among them a 6-1 win at Catanzaro and a 2-0 home win over Sampdoria.
• Arezzo average 0.9 goals scored and 2 conceded per match across the counted games; Ascoli average 1.7 scored and 1 conceded.
• Ascoli sold out their away allocation in a few hours, with 600 fans expected in the away section.

Our view

Ascoli carry the better recent results and a settled squad into this one, while Arezzo are still managing injuries and a difficult run. The visitors' possession game will test an Arezzo side that has struggled defensively.

Most likely outcome: away win - Ascoli's stronger form and near full availability point their way.