Mantova U19 vs Cremonese U19 - Campionato Primavera - 2

Few would have predicted the narrative arc that brings Mantova U19 and Cremonese U19 together at the home ground on September 19, 2026, and the underdog storyline only adds to the Campionato Primavera - 2 occasion. Enzo Maresca and Rico Lewis held a pre-match press conference on Saturday as Manchester City prepare to face Atletico Madrid in their third pre-season friendly of the summer.

Mantova U19 head into the contest positioned 11th in the Campionato Primavera - 2 standings, while Cremonese U19 arrive sitting 1st. It has been a torrid run for the hosts, D in their last five and a season win rate of just 0% that has the alarm bells ringing. When a team wins 100% of their matches and posts W in their last five, as Cremonese U19 have, even the longest trips hold no fear. The contrast in attacking output — 0 versus 3.5 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. In his latest column, Paul Merson predicts the 2026/27 Premier League season at both ends of the table.

The touchline duel between the two managers adds another layer of intrigue, with both likely to tweak their setups in search of a decisive edge. Anderson can still play proactively from deep, but he will have other technical players around him to lighten the load in possession, and zones to hit rather than always playing to feet.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, though, would have been disappointed with the goal after being beaten at his near post.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. The numbers tilt towards Cremonese U19, and a 0-4 away win looks the more probable outcome. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. Manchester City will begin another Premier League season with major uncertainty hanging over the club after league chief executive Richard Masters admitted the long-awaited verdict on their financial case has taken longer than expected.