Filippo Inzaghi and Giovanni Stroppa could have been squaring up in Serie A but instead the pair are jostling for position in another race for a ticket to the top flight.

Inzaghi has Palermo bobbing along nicely in third place in Serie B, just a few months after he led Pisa to the promised land but then opted to stay in the second division.

It was a move mirrored by Stroppa who took charge of Venezia shortly after guiding Cremonese up through the play-offs.

Palermo head into Tuesday’s clash between the pair protecting an unbeaten start to the campaign, having come from behind to earn a point at Cesena on Saturday and make it three wins and two draws from their opening five games.

Defender Mattia Bani, a summer signing from Genoa, opened his Palermo account with the equaliser at Cesena and he is relishing the chance to build on recent results.

He said: “We’re on a five-match unbeaten run and we need to keep going this way. The next two games before the break (they face Spezia on Saturday) will be complicated, starting with Venezia, who have quality and the same ambitions as us. But it will be a great challenge.”

Inzaghi also has a promotion with Venezia on his CV, having taken them up from Serie C to the second tier early in his managerial career. He accepts his old side will provide a stern test but he is hoping the advantage of playing at the Renzo Barbera will count.

The Rosanero boss, who is looking to end their eight-season absence from the top division, said: “It will be tough but we’ll play at home, with a full stadium, and we can’t wait.”

The Venetians arrive in Sicily three points and four places behind their opponents and full of confidence after following up a midweek Coppa Italia victory at Verona with a home win over Spezia.

Andrea Adorante sent them on their way at the weekend with a first-half penalty. Both of his strikes this season have come from the spot and after bagging 17 goals last term he said: “I’m still missing a goal from open play but myself and the team are working hard to get there.

“Palermo must be approached calmly and with full awareness of our qualities, expressing the best of who we are.”

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