The Coppa Italia first round throws two Serie C sides into a familiar fight - Ascoli hosting Potenza with history fresh and scores to settle from the spring. Both clubs closed the season grinding through each other, and the cup gives them no chance to ease in gently.
The head-to-head numbers tell a clean story: across 2 meetings, Ascoli won 1 and drew 1, conceded zero goals, and BTTS landed 0 times from 2. Potenza scored in only 2 of their last 5 games and kept just 2 clean sheets - their attack is misfiring. Ascoli's own form is patchy but they showed ruthlessness with a 3-0 Serie C win over Brescia in June.
Two defences that know each other, a home side with the edge and a visitor who cannot find the net. Back Ascoli DNB at whatever price the market offers - the unbeaten head-to-head and Potenza's blunt attack make this the play.
The numbers behind the tip
Form · last five
Goals per game · last five
Head-to-head · last five
| 20.05.26 | Serie C | 1–0 | U2.5 |
| 17.05.26 | Serie C | 0–0 | U2.5 |
Predictions are editorial opinions based on the data available at publication - never a guarantee. Odds move and availability varies by region. 18+, please gamble responsibly. BeGambleAware.org · Joueurs Info Service