Italy – Serie A2, Round 21
25/02/2024
CUNEO-SIENA
The first big match of the day on a Sunday filled with key clashes for promotion. Cuneo and Siena currently stand at second and third place respectively in the standings, with Cuneo chasing the mere two points that separate them from Siena. It's an opportunity for the Piedmontese to potentially leapfrog Siena and reclaim the position they've held throughout the year. On the other side of the net, Siena has the chance to extend their lead by +5 over third place and solidify their strong season so far. It will undoubtedly be a thrilling, intense match where we believe both teams could win at least a set. However, if we were to take a stand, we see Cuneo as the favorite. They boast an excellent trio of attackers, two in-form middle blockers, a libero who's been a revelation, and a 2000-capacity arena ready to support their cause. It's a tough game, but Cuneo might just clinch it.
BRESCIA-PORDENONE
A big clash between Brescia and Pordenone, another potential scenario for the promotion phase. Only three points separate the two teams, who currently sit at the 5th and 6th positions in the table. It's a real battle where both teams will be on the field to secure crucial points without holding back, eager to perform well. It's a complicated match where we believe the outcome will hinge on a few key moments. We can only recommend going for Over.
CANTU-ORTONA
Cantù-Ortona has given us some headaches. Ortona currently sits at the bottom, level on points with Castellana, with salvation just three points away. Cantù, on the other hand, is far from the playoff zone, and 3 points against Ortona would mean mathematical safety with five rounds to go. Therefore, motivations seem to lean towards Ortona's side, knowing the importance of the match and displaying good form even in recent defeats. However, Cantù is objectively superior to Ortona, so our analysis ultimately leans towards Ortona winning at least one set.
PINETO-REGGIO EMILIA
Pineto-Reggio Emilia is a crucial clash in terms of avoiding relegation. Both teams, among the most likely to stay in the league, are fighting for three points that are worth their weight in gold. Reggio Emilia has 22 points, just three more than Pineto, who's just outside the relegation zone. The atmosphere will be heated and intense, with both teams trying their best to secure the win. We know Pineto very well and the spirit surrounding Pineto volleyball, so we're confident in Paris and his teammates, who are steadily improving, especially with a great addition in the second position, and with a packed arena ready to support them.
PORTO VIRO-AVERSA
The hosts come into the match seeking redemption after losing their last match against Cuneo 3-0 without ever troubling the Piedmontese. It was a poor performance from Sette and his teammates who failed to live up to expectations. However, their recent record remains reassuring, with just one defeat in the last five matches. With five rounds remaining, the objectives driving the two teams differ; Porto Viro currently occupies the last playoff spot and aims to confirm their seventh position, just four points away from Santa Croce. Aversa, on the other hand, with 22 points and dangerously close to the relegation zone, aims for the three points to potentially widen the gap to seven points from Castellana, almost ensuring safety. Therefore, we expect a genuine, intense match. However, we consider Porto Viro superior, and thus, we anticipate they will triumph over the Campanians.
RAVENNA-GROTTAZZOLINA
Ravenna-Grottazzolina represents a big match and a glimpse of what we might see in the promotion phase, now just five games away. Grottazzolina remains firmly at the top, seven points clear of the second-placed team, with four consecutive wins. Ravenna, on the other hand, has slowed down in recent matches, experiencing an inevitable physical drop after the sprint that brought them to fourth place with 41 points. Despite the tactical and technical quality of the encounter, we view this as an unusual match. The team we consider superior (Grottazzolina) might have little motivation due to their secured top spot and may even conserve energy for future engagements. Nevertheless, it will still be a high-quality match where both teams could win at least a set: hence, Over.
CASTELLANA-SANTA CROCE
An important match for both teams. Three points up for grabs, which would be vital for the home team, only three points behind Pineto and the salvation objective. For Santa Croce, these points are crucial to remain attached to the seventh position, four points adrift, which would mean a playoff spot. We believe Santa Croce's caliber is significantly higher than Castellana's, which is why we lean towards 2. However, we also acknowledge Castellana's hunger for survival, a stadium capable of inspiring remarkable performances, and a not-so-easy away game for Santa Croce, making us believe Castellana could win at least a set.