Derthona vs Imperia - Serie D - Girone A

Tactical intrigue takes centre stage on April 26, 2026 as Derthona and Imperia prepare to square off at Stadio Fausto Coppi, with both managers known for their strategic nuance in the Serie D - Girone A. 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.

Both camps will view the Serie D - Girone A meeting at Stadio Fausto Coppi as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. The hosts have hit a rich vein of form, WW over their last five outings translating into a 75% win rate this campaign. The visitors have been hard to predict on their travels, L in their last five reflecting a win rate of 33.33%. Where Derthona have built their campaign on solidity, Imperia have often chased flair, and that fundamental difference should make for compelling viewing. If he finds a way of those three players gelling and playing together - making one of them run in beyond - then Chelsea will have a very good season.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Derthona will look to impose their style on home soil, while Imperia are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. They are sticking to the principles of possession and pressing that have taken them from the fourth tier.

In fixtures as finely poised as this one, it often comes down to who holds their nerve in the big moments — and both camps have players who relish that responsibility. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. The ex-AC Milan midfielder superbly set up Ait-Nouri's opener before he restored City's lead with a fine low finish across goal from Semenyo's inventive backheel assist.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 2-2 draw is easy to envisage. The result at Stadio Fausto Coppi could resonate well beyond matchday in the Serie D - Girone A picture. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says a verdict on the alleged charges against Manchester City "has taken longer than expected".