Verona – Fortitudo

Italy - Serie A2, Round 22

04/02/2024 18:00 CET

The spotlight is on Lega Due with the upcoming match this Sunday at 6 PM between Verona and Fortitudo Bologna. A key point to highlight, which goes beyond team compositions and statistics, is that Bologna's team has already achieved its goal of making the playoffs. Essentially, this match in Veneto doesn't conclude the season; it's merely a step before the ten games that will lead to the playoffs, determining who will be promoted to Serie A1. The truly important matches are yet to come, but this fact is of marginal concern to Fortitudo fans, who have purchased 500 tickets to support their team, surpassing the 400 who traveled to Cento. For Attilio Caja, there's good news: the infirmary is empty, and having a full roster is crucial given the limitations of the bench players. Talks have been ongoing about a new signing to strengthen the team. Nevertheless, Fortitudo leads with an 81% win rate, averaging 73 points scored and 70.9 conceded. The coach is known as a defensive wizard, but it's a fact that last week against Cividale, the scoring was unusually high. Verona, ranked fourth, has 14 wins and 7 losses, allowing an average of 71.9 points to their opponents. In their last game, they won against Nardò, scoring 69 points, with contributions from Esposito (14 points), Udom (13), Murphy (11), and Stefanelli (10). The team is led by former Virtus Bologna playmaker Lollo Penna, known for his intelligence, speed, and shooting ability, averaging 8 points per game. These players have maintained their scoring averages, supplemented by the team's top scorer Gabe Devoe, who averages nearly 16 points per game. Pietro Aradori of Fortitudo, even at 35, continues to be a decisive player for his team with his excellent shooting and wide range of shots. Additionally, the foreign players Ogden (averaging 15.6 points per game) and Freeman (14.2) also contribute significant points, along with Bolpin and Fantinelli, the latter being a great defender and playmaker who, despite his height, can post up against opponents. Lollo Penna could be the ideal target. The gap between the starting lineup and the bench is wide across all statistical categories. Indeed, if those five are on form, it spells trouble for everyone...