Criciuma vs São Bernardo - Serie B

All eyes turn to the home ground on June 27, 2026 as Criciuma welcome São Bernardo in a Serie B encounter that promises tension, intrigue and no shortage of subplot. Maresca needs the qualitative depth to meet the demands of a season across 60-plus games.

Positionally there is a clear hierarchy: Criciuma sit 5th, São Bernardo lie 14th, but the Serie B has a habit of defying such logic. The hosts have done enough without setting the world alight, LLWLL over their last five and a 46.43% win rate to their name. São Bernardo have struggled to string results together away from home, LWLDD over their last five with a win rate of 33.33%. The contrast in attacking output — 1 versus 1.37 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter analyses the big talking points from the first round of Women's Super League matches, bringing you closer to the key stories at the heart of the women's game.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Criciuma will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while São Bernardo will back themselves to cause problems on the break. A month before his death, he was also arrested in Arkansas on charges including possession of a controlled substance.

Individual quality could tip the balance. The league's leading scorer Mikael, with 15 goals to his name this season, is a reminder of the firepower on display. 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. Liverpool have big hopes for Jeremy Jacquet having invested £60m to bring the highly regarded young central defender to Anfield this summer.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. On balance, Criciuma 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.