In a tightly contested afternoon at Stadio Alberto Picco, Palermo edged out Spezia 2-1 in a result that not only boosts their promotion ambitions but deepens Spezia’s early-season woes. Goals from Joel Pohjanpalo and Niccolò Pierozzi delivered all three points for Filippo Inzaghi’s side, overcoming a spirited but ultimately frustrated Spezia outfit.

Both managers opted for three-at-the-back formations, with Luca D'Angelo favoring a 3-5-2, while Inzaghi deployed a 3-4-2-1. The opening exchanges saw Spezia claim slightly more of the ball, ending with 52% possession, but it was Palermo who struck first. In the 42nd minute, Pohjanpalo finished smartly after a precise assist from Jérémy Le Douaron, silencing the home crowd and giving the visitors a crucial halftime lead.

Spezia entered the second half seeking a response but found themselves chasing the game again when right wing-back Niccolò Pierozzi doubled Palermo’s lead in the 58th minute, capping off a flowing move initiated by Davide Veroli’s incisive pass. Spezia’s efforts intensified—boasting 11 total shots and five on target—but they struggled to break down Palermo’s organized defensive lines, with Jesse Joronen making five saves to preserve the visitors’ advantage.

The game’s physical edge became evident with 29 total fouls and four yellow cards, three of which went to Palermo players. Aleš Matějů received the match’s first booking for Spezia in the 29th minute, while Bani, Blin, and Veroli entered the referee’s book for Palermo across the second half.

D’Angelo shuffled his pack with a series of substitutions, introducing attacking reinforcements after the hour mark in hopes of swinging the momentum. The hosts finally pulled one back late in the match, but Palermo’s disciplined shape and transition play saw them run out deserved winners. Statistically, Spezia completed more passes (416 at 82% accuracy), while Palermo executed 395 passes at a 77% completion rate—testament to Palermo’s ability to thrive with less of the ball when it mattered most.

For Spezia, the defeat extends a troubling run at home and leaves them languishing near the foot of the Serie B table—a stark contrast to last season’s form. Palermo, meanwhile, continue to consolidate their top-four credentials and demonstrated once again a ruthless streak away from home, with Inzaghi’s tactical setup yielding another key result.

Both sides now look to regroup—Spezia desperate for momentum, Palermo eager to build on this result as the Serie B race intensifies.