Italy – Serie A2, Round 21
PORDENONE-PINETO - 17/02/24 CET 19:30
Pordenone-Pineto is a match about which we've had few doubts. Although the current form of the two teams suggests otherwise, we believe Pordenone can easily clinch the match.
Pineto is on the upswing, having found a good chemistry with the new opposite spiker in the Paris-Santangelo axis. They have started to earn points again, even against top teams, especially in front of their home crowd. Therefore, they won't be a straightforward opponent for the home team, who, however, have already dropped too many points in recent matches. Pordenone has suffered six defeats in their last nine matches, slipping to fifth place and losing considerable ground.
This is, therefore, a crucial opportunity, with three points being imperative for Pordenone.
GROTTA-CANTU - 18/02/24 CET 15:00
Grotta-Cantù no doubts. The Marche team is still Grotta-Cantù 1(3-0/3-1) significantly superior in terms of roster, experience, tactics, and technique. For us, it's an easy three points.
AVERSA-RAVENNA - 18/02/24 CET 17:00
For the twenty-first round, Aversa hosts Ravenna Lions, one of the teams currently in the best form in the league. Despite their last defeat being only in the tie-break and against a strong Siena side, the Emilians have everything in their favor.
With 11 wins in their last 14 matches, they are tied for third place with Cuneo and have the opportunity to secure important points in an undoubtedly permissive away fixture.
The hosts, despite showing they can compete with anyone, are still stuck at 20 points, dangerously close to the relegation zone. Although we expect a hard-fought match, we believe Ravenna is too superior to Aversa. It will be a complicated game, but for us, Ravenna emerges victorious.
ORTONA-BRESCIA - 18/02/24 CET 17:00
Ortona-Brescia was perhaps the most complicated match to analyze. Despite Brescia's caliber and position in the standings suggesting a somewhat straightforward match, we think Ortona can almost match the visitors.
In their recent outings, the Abruzzo side has been performing better, with the new acquisition in the second position noticeably boosting the team's gameplay. With 7 points in their last 4 matches and a continuous growth, the relegation battle doesn't seem so impossible anymore.
Although we also believe Brescia is superior, our advice is twofold:
Ortona wins at least one set;
Brescia wins overall.
CUNEO-PORTO VIRO - 18/02/24 CET 18:00
Cuneo-Porto Viro might seem like one of those complicated and hard-fought matches, and perhaps it will be. However, our feeling is that Cuneo has dropped too many points in recent matches, relinquishing the second position to Siena, who now leads by +5 points, and they are called upon to set things right in front of their home crowd. Despite knowing Porto Viro's quality, the aforementioned factors lead us to favor the home team; for us, Cuneo will emerge victorious.
SANTA CROCE-REGGIO EMILIA - 18/02/24 CET 17:00
Santa Croce-Reggio Emilia is a direct clash for a spot in the playoffs.
Both teams are not in their best form, alternating between highs and lows in a season that has yet to establish an identity for either side.
We expect a strange match, probably with a low and tense pace.
However, for us, Santa Croce, in addition to having something extra in terms of the lineup, has the home-field advantage and the opportunity to secure three important points to confirm their eighth position.