Spezia's one-point buffer protects them from dropping back into the relegation zone for now as they face Monza on Friday at Stadio Alberto Picco.
Little Eagles survived last season by retaining the 16th spot on the table, but their luck might eventually run out if they fail to turn things around shortly. Monza was promoted via Serie B play-offs and has now managed to do well in the Italian top flight, having crossed the proverbial threshold of safety, scratching the 40-point mark in the process.
With three 1-1 stalemates accompanied by two losses, Spezia's last victory surprisingly came against the Italian giants, Inter Milan. The only takeaway from this string of perplexing results for manager Leonardo Semplici is that with some luck, the side can get over the line to gather a few more points that could ensure their sustained survival.
Forward M'Bala Nzola has been the glimmering hope for the Liguria-based club, having racked up 13 goals with two assists. The Angolan striker is jointly ranked third in the top-scorers charts, despite his side fighting for safety.
Monza will look to climb towards the top half of the Serie A table, having racked up 41 points. A victory could take them as high as 8th in the table from the 12th position that they are currently residing in. Raffaele Palladino's side is riding on their momentum, earning two impressive victories against two prominent top-division regulars in Inter Milan and Fiorentina. It puts their tally to two wins and draws with a loss in their last five league games.
The White and Reds have earned 19 points from away games this season, picking five wins with four draws. Only eight sides have collected more points on the road than Monza this season, so they must be confident of stringing their good form for a third consecutive victory.
The hosts will lack the services of regulars with injuries as Julius Beck, Emil Holm, Joao Moutinho, Petar Zovko, and Szymon Zurkowski are all expected to remain unavailable for their ailments. Welsh defender and Chelsea loanee Ethan Ampadu will remain available for selection after enduring his suspension in the previous round.
The visitors do not have any injury concerns, having a fully fit squad available for the away game.
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Expert Insight: The game will expectedly be defensive, with fewer goals. Monza has already earned a victory against Spezia in the reverse fixture, but the hosts can frustrate the visitors to settle for another draw in their long list of stalemates.