Ascoli vs Benevento - Serie B

All eyes turn to the home ground on September 5, 2026 as Ascoli welcome Benevento in a Serie B encounter that promises tension, intrigue and no shortage of subplot. The left-back was taken off in the final minutes against Everton with cramp, and was not risked for the Champions League clash vs Sabah on Thursday.

A glance at the Serie B table tells the story: Ascoli in 7th and Benevento in 13th, with positions to defend and places to climb. Ascoli have been picking up results at a respectable clip, L over their last five with a season win rate of 50%. Benevento have blown hot and cold, W across their last five and a season win rate of 25%. The contrast in attacking output — 1 versus 1.25 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. Teams are more likely to allow a defender to bring the ball up the pitch than a winger playing in a far more advanced position.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Ascoli will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Benevento will back themselves to cause problems on the break. And there are still question marks even in attack, where they have an abundance of supporting forwards including Mbeumo, Cunha and Amad Diallo, but only one out-and-out striker in Sesko.

All eyes will be on the league's leading marksman C. Shpendi, whose 5 goals this season make him the standout threat and a player capable of deciding the outcome on his own. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. The midfielder is yet to make his debut for the club since completing a move from Brighton.

With the sides closely matched, the outcome may well hinge on which team takes its chances on the day. On balance, Ascoli look well-placed to claim all three points, and a 2-1 home win would not come as a surprise. Whatever the outcome, the Serie B fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Liverpool's midfield wasn't great last year but I expect Florian Wirtz to have a better season, 100 per cent.