Italy SuperLega – Round 21
24-25 FEBRUARY 2024
ADOVA-MONZA
We see Monza as the favorite against Padova, who are mathematically doomed to relegation. Monza, on the other hand, has the opportunity to continue their positive streak from the last 3 victories and distance themselves from the trio at 33 points. For us, Monza will win.
LUBE-PIACENZA
Lube-Piacenza is another match where exposing oneself too much would be a risk. The outcome of the game doesn't hold much significance for the future, as both teams are closely matched between third and fourth positions, with little difference in future prospects. However, what comes to our aid is Wednesday's Champions League, which saw Lube convincingly win 3-0 while Piacenza played an intense match, going to a tiebreak and lasting two hours and forty minutes. This, coupled with Piacenza's 4 losses in the last 5 games, makes us think that Lube can secure the win at home.
TARANTO-MILAN
We believe Milan is the favorite to win. Taranto is mathematically condemned to the losing phase, and the potential six points (very difficult considering the schedule) wouldn't change their position. Milan, on the other hand, is currently at 33 points, along with Verona and Monza neighbors, all three on the list for the playoff phase. In the last five games, Milan has lost three, but we think they have the opportunity to refuel their momentum and boost morale for the crucial phase of the season, sending a signal to their competitors who are engaged in equally challenging matches. For us, Milan can win.
CISTERNA-VERONA
This match could hide pitfalls, and we'll explain why: We consider Verona significantly superior to the Cisterna lineup, and this is evident to everyone. However, with just two games left, the standings suggest Cisterna could avoid the playoffs and qualify instead for the playoff phase at the expense of Modena, trailing by just one point. Verona, on the other hand, is currently in the middle of the table, solidly qualified for the next phase, and although six points could help in future matchups, their path is already clear. Out of moral obligation towards a team like Verona, we cannot but consider them the favorite for victory, but the motivations and significance behind what drives the home team make us also see "Cisterna wins at least one set."
MODENA-SATURNIA
Modena has only collected two points in the last two games, a result of a 3-0 loss against the league leaders Trento and a victory achieved only in a tie-break against Taranto. So, Sunday presents a chance for the yellow and blue team to secure three crucial points for both the standings and the team's morale. Saturnia represents an opponent where there's no room for error, already mathematically relegated with just one win out of 20 games played. For us, Modena is an easy winner.
PERUGIA-TRENTO
Perugia-Trento, as exciting and eagerly awaited as it may seem, actually represents a match where there's very little at stake. Trento is mathematically first, Perugia second. With two games remaining and six points up for grabs, both teams' concern will be more about conserving energy and preventing unnecessary injuries in view of the playoffs. It's challenging to provide a satisfying analysis for such a game. Nonetheless, we anticipate an entertaining and high-quality match where teams won't disappoint the spectators' expectations, although the players surely won't be pushing themselves to the limit. It's an Over game.