Benevento vs Hellas Verona - Serie B

All eyes turn to the home ground on September 11, 2026 as Benevento welcome Hellas Verona in a Serie B encounter that promises tension, intrigue and no shortage of subplot. The 74-year-old Hoops boss admitted that "it'll be a bit strange not having the (Celtic) fans in but I'm nervously and excitedly looking forward to it; it's a great fixture" and also spoke about the police visit.

Benevento head into the contest positioned 2nd in the Serie B standings, while Hellas Verona arrive sitting 5th. Consistency has eluded Benevento in recent weeks, with W in their last five and a win rate of 25% that tells of an up-and-down campaign. Hellas Verona have blown hot and cold, L across their last five and a season win rate of 25%. Where Benevento have leaned on defensive discipline, Hellas Verona have often taken the initiative going forward, and that stylistic difference should shape the contest. But the Reds are still unsure about Bologna's asking price for the defender, who turned 28 in June and has less than 12 months to run on his contract at the Serie A side.

Set-piece efficiency could prove the difference on the night. Both Benevento and Hellas Verona have invested time in dead-ball situations this season, and a single corner or free-kick may settle it. Schalke had only 17 per cent of the possession but, having visited the club to interview their charismatic coach Miron Muslic, that is hardly a surprise.

The fixture is likely to be shaped by its key performers, with creative midfielders and clinical finishers on both sides capable of turning the game in an instant. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. He was the striker who arrived just when Wolves were rediscovering themselves.

The market fancies Benevento at 2.8400, with the draw at 3.0600 and Hellas Verona at 2.5400 — pricing that reflects the balance of power without ruling out an upset. With the prices so tightly bunched, the bookmakers are hedging their bets — and so should the rest of us. On balance, Benevento look well-placed to claim all three points, and a 3-2 home win would not come as a surprise. With positions in the Serie B table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Harry Kane is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or.