Italy Serie B - Round 37

Brescia vs Lecco
"A fair draw," says Roberto Maran, the third consecutive one for his Brescia (2-2 against Feralpi in the midweek round). "I coach a group of fantastic guys: we're giving our all to defend a position that seemed impossible at the beginning of the year." The white and blues haven't won in 4 rounds yet are still in eighth place, +2 ahead of their pursuers for the final playoff spot. With key strikers injured and many players fatigued, Brescia faces one last effort at home: the already relegated Lecco comes to Rigamonti, coming off three consecutive losses. While Malgrati's side has shown resilience at home, away they've conceded 27 goals in the last 10 matches. These numbers are inviting, making this Brescia determined and seeking maximum points: confidence for a home win.

Cittadella vs Bari
A bitter blow as Cittadella frightens Como but ultimately gets overturned in the 94th minute (2-1). A loss that stings for Gorini's men, still clinging to playoff dreams. "Their goal tainted by two fouls, I wonder what's the use of VAR," laments the coach, now forced to win both remaining matches. The Tombolato crowd is ready to give the final push against a Bari in total crisis: the 1-1 against league leaders Parma at least secures a playoff relegation spot. But Bari hasn't won in 12 matches. A high-risk game, with the Granata struggling up front while Bari's survival hinges on a sporadically concentrated defense: a scenario for a medium-low scoring match, with all results on the table.

Cosenza vs Spezia
Celebrations at Cosenza, two rounds ahead: Tutino's goal – his 17th of the season – is enough to defeat Ascoli and secure the third consecutive victory. "Many emotions, playing as we know we can go far: we've already considered the playoffs," winks Mister Viali, his team now just -3 from eighth place due to the tight standings. On Sunday, Spezia arrives at Marulla, yet to secure their safety. But the narrow win against Palermo (1-0) puts D'Angelo's side 3 points above the playoff zone for the first time. "Good at controlling the pace, we must continue to take one game at a time," appeals the coach. Spezia's resurgence since his arrival is evident: just 2 defeats in the last 15 matches, signaling a decisive sprint. Expect a tough game between two in-form and defensively cautious teams: few goals on the scoreboard.

Modena vs Como
A bitter safety celebration for Modena, falling to Reggiana in the Emilian derby (1-0) but leaving Mapei Stadium with a good performance. "Our opponents were good at capitalizing on the incidents, we gave our all," comments Mister Bisoli, who has instilled character in the yellow-blues. With their position secure, it's time to bid farewell to the Braglia crowd: a tough task against a Como increasingly aimed at Serie A. Also thanks to some help: the Lombards, in the midweek round, struggled against Cittadella more than expected, only securing 3 points in full recovery thanks to a controversial referee decision (while Venezia suffered an adverse one in the same timeframe). "We're going to Modena to win. No relaxation allowed, or we risk taking a blow to the teeth," keeps guard Osian Roberts, who may have detected signs of weakness from his opponents. The home team might put up a good fight, but Como will eventually break through: leaning towards a draw or an away win.

Parma vs Cremonese
Ange Bonny's goal seals the long-awaited promotion: with a 1-1 draw in Bari, Parma celebrates Serie A with two rounds to spare. A well-deserved and never-in-doubt achievement for Pecchia's yellow-blues, after three years in purgatory. "Ten months at a high level: we're a real team, many of my players are ready to play at a higher level," applauds the architect of the campaign. Now, it's just about securing Serie B: 3 points ahead of second-placed Como with 2 rounds remaining. And the home crowd will fill Tardini as in the days of the great Parma: Cremonese is warned, coming off a hard-fought win against Pisa (2-1) which boosts morale and maintains the gap from fifth place. "A display of great identity, we've been waiting for this," declares Mister Stroppa. Facing the league leaders will be a good test ahead of the playoffs: slightly favoring Bernabé and his teammates, playing on the wings of euphoria, but Cremonese could make themselves felt in front of goal. Both teams show a propensity for scoring.

Pisa vs Sudtirol
A defeat "that changes nothing, neither our path nor our goals," maintains Alberto Aquilani after the 2-1 loss against Cremonese. Now his Pisa is three points behind eighth place, but continues to deliver performances and has a favorable schedule: Sudtirol at home, then Ascoli away. However, the focus remains on the playoff showdown at Arena Garibaldi: the Alto Adige team has just won a thrilling match against Ternana (4-3) and looks at the nerazzurri with a one-point advantage. "They accused us of scoring little, but this is a real team response: only with great spirit could we overturn the result," smiles Mister Valente. Pisa is ready to win, a draw benefits no one, enhancing the spectacle. Both nerazzurri and biancorossi could find the net, but in the end, the greater quality of the home team might prevail. Also thanks to the support of the crowd.

Sampdoria vs Reggiana
Suffering beyond measure, down to 10 men, but De Luca's lone goal in the end is enough for Sampdoria to overcome Lecco. The blucerchiati seem physically fatigued, yet are accumulating mental strength: a crucial ingredient for the playoffs, where they now have a 5-point lead over their pursuers. Among them stands Reggiana again, beating Modena in the derby (1-0) to secure a second consecutive survival and, above all, mathematical safety. "A hard-fought and crucial result. Now we focus on having fun, rather than the post-season," relaxes the atmosphere, Nesta. Granata always dangerous away from Mapei Stadium, Samp more experienced and prepared to face this crucial stage of the season at the top: prospects for a complicated home victory, without expecting a deluge of goals.

Ternana vs Catanzaro
Rollercoaster ride in Bolzano, with overtakes, expulsions, and counter-overtakes: Ternana ends up in tears (4-3), stuck at 37 points – currently in the playoffs or direct relegation. A very tough moment, as Roberto Breda chose not to appear in front of the microphones after the match, leaving the stadium without making statements for the first time this season. Everything is focused on the last match of the season at the Liberati, where the rossoverdi need a perfect performance: a red-hot Catanzaro is visiting, still hopeful for fourth place after the photo finish 3-2 win against Venezia. "My boys deserve only applause," enjoys Mister Vivarini. Ready for another open-faced match from the Calabrians, who will increase the pace and force Ternana to expose themselves: a scenario where both teams might score.

Venezia vs FeralpiSalò
There's a lot of anger in the orange and black camp due to the refereeing chaos in the match against Catanzaro: a disadvantageous red card, a non-existent penalty, all in injury time, and furthermore repeated after Joronen had saved the initial attempt. This 3-2 defeat risks leaving a mark, especially with Como's news making direct promotion – with a 4-point gap – suddenly seem like a mirage. "Apart from the incidents, we needed more clarity: we still need to understand when it's okay to settle for a draw," says Paolo Vanoli, not getting distracted. For the final dance at the Penzo, Venezia prepares for a full house: their opponent, FeralpiSalò, needs a win to avoid relegation. "The performances are coming," says Mister Zaffaroni after the 2-2 draw against Brescia. "We push hard in these 180 minutes, then we'll see." It's certain that in the lagoon, against the league's best attack, the task will be challenging: Venezia concedes defensively, and that's where Feralpi must capitalize. However, in the long run, there's a significant technical gap: yes to a home victory.