Atalanta II vs Ravenna - Serie C - Girone B

The history between Atalanta II and Ravenna lends this Serie C - Girone B fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on September 20, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. Just as was the case in the previous meeting between the teams in April of last year, when Emery's side gave them such a scare in the Champions League tie at Villa Park, PSG were hanging on at the end.

There is little to choose between Atalanta II and Ravenna on paper, and the Serie C - Girone B encounter should reflect that balance. The hosts have hit a rich vein of form, WW over their last five outings translating into a 60% win rate this campaign. Ravenna have made a habit of winning on the road, their W run backing up a remarkable season win rate of 60%. The contrast in attacking output — 1.4 versus 1.6 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. Arsenal can move three points clear at the top of the Premier League with a win at Brighton this afternoon.

The tactical subplot is compelling: Atalanta II favour a possession-based game built on patience and control, while Ravenna are happiest sitting deep and exploding forward on the counter — a classic contrast of philosophies. Amad won possession in the PSG half before laying the ball off for Bryan Mbeumo to score.

Individual moments of quality could tip the balance. Both sides possess players capable of producing something out of nothing, and a single flash of brilliance may be all that separates them. The wide areas will be a key battleground, with full-backs and wingers on either side capable of swinging the contest one way or the other. Former Blackburn forward Sammie Szmodics ran clear on to a long pass from Ward but was stopped as he collided with Gregoire Coudert.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. With the sides so closely matched, a 2-2 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. The result at the home ground could resonate well beyond matchday in the Serie C - Girone B picture. And Fonseca does not place too much weight on the decision of Roberto Martinez to omit him from the World Cup squad in favour of his Benfica team-mate Tomas Araujo.