Pavia vs Oltrepò Match Preview - Jan 18, 2026

In the heart of Italy's Serie D, the stakes couldn't be higher as Pavia and Oltrepò gear up for their pivotal clash on January 18, 2026, at the Stadio Pietro Fortunati. For Pavia, sitting precariously in 16th place with only 15 points from 19 matches, every second counts as they look to escape relegation's tightening grip. Conversely, Oltrepò finds themselves in mid-table mediocrity, currently placed 11th with 25 points, but desperate to capitalize on a wobbly opponent to push themselves into a stronger playoff contention.

Pavia's recent form is nothing short of tumultuous. After scraping a narrow 1-0 victory against Milan II, it looked like they might have found a semblance of rhythm. However, that glimmer of hope quickly dimmed following a crushing 1-3 defeat against Caldiero Terme-a team they were expected to challenge. The ongoing inconsistency has been glaring; just weeks prior to their win over Milan II, Pavia coughed up goals in draw after draw and left points on the table. With just three wins this season-two of which came against teams currently lower than them in the standings-the urgency for improvement can't be overstated.

On the other side of the pitch lies Oltrepò, whose recent results have oscillated similarly but provide stark contrasts in mentality and execution. Their latest outing was particularly disappointing: a lifeless 0-1 loss against Varesina-an outcome that prompted reflections on what could've been if they had converted even half of their scoring chances earlier in the season. Yet prior to that misstep, Oltrepò showed resilience by stringing together two back-to-back victories against Vogherese and Brusaporto, winning both fixtures by identical 1-0 scores thanks to gritty defensive displays that are becoming their hallmark.

Statistically speaking, both teams offer interesting insights into their tactical approach leading into this match. Pavia has exhibited vulnerability in defense throughout the season with an average of nearly two goals conceded per game (37 total). Their struggles primarily stem from a lack of coherent shape when defending set pieces-a weakness Oltrepò will surely target as they search for every possible edge.

Conversely, while Oltrepò has struggled for consistency themselves-scoring only seven goals across their last five outings-they possess a greater sense of solidity defensively, boasting a slightly better goals-against average at around 1.68 per game this term. In particular, it's worth noting that Oltrepò's pressing strategy has frequently stifled opposing attacks effectively but often leaves them vulnerable on counter-attacks due to committing too many players forward.

Key figures could easily tip this matchup toward either side. For Pavia, keep an eye on Marco Bellini, who netted their lone goal last week against Milan II; his ability to create space under pressure will be crucial for any potential attacking threat against an organized defense like Oltrepò's. Meanwhile, for Oltrepò, Luca Cattaneo stands out as someone capable of exploiting defensive frailties; his recent form shows promise with key contributions leading up to critical matches despite limited goal-scoring returns lately.

Ultimately though, history suggests that head-to-head dynamics could play a major role here too. When these two sides faced off earlier this season back on September 21st, Pavia managed to snag a tight win courtesy of strategic discipline and seizing key moments-an element they must replicate now under intense pressure at home.

So what does it all add up to? When one weighs individual skillsets against situational pressures and current trends within both squads' frameworks-this match shapes up as one where defensive resolve meets opportunistic tactics directly clashing in front of an anxious fan base craving something more than mere survival or mediocre existence in mid-table purgatory.

Given all these factors at play-with pressing urgency infusing both sides-and considering how critical early goals have proven thus far; expect sparks fly right from kickoff! Ultimately though-despite Pavia playing host-I see Oltrepò stealing crucial points here, taking advantage late as fatigue may rear its ugly head among home defenders grappling once again with form woes; tallying yet another narrow victory perhaps at around 2-1 unless complacency slips into view just when victory seems assured!