Spal's hopes for safety took a substantial hit as they fell 2-0 to Pineto on March 23, 2025, in what could be labeled as a must-win match for the team. Coach Baldini, in a press conference preceding the match, had made it clear that the team needed four victories out of the remaining six games to secure their place in the league, setting a daunting challenge for his players.
The match, which started at 17:30, was highlighted by a 0-0 deadlock at the early stages, but that quickly changed with Pineto's offensive firepower. In just the 8th minute, Germinario, with a deft header from a cross by Bruzzaniti, found the back of the net, setting the tone for the rest of the game. The situation worsened for Spal when Bruzzaniti scored again in the 18th minute, making it 2-0 and leaving Spal reeling.
While Spal struggled to find rhythm in their play, Fiordaliso's receiving a red card in the 52nd minute reduced the already beleaguered team to 10 players, compounding their difficulties on the field.
Spal made various attempts to strike back, but their efforts were thwarted at every turn. D'Orazio and others came close to scoring but found themselves repeatedly denied. In one notable moment towards the end of the first half, D'Orazio's shot was disallowed for offside following a near-miss during a chaotic play in the box.
Despite having several chances, including a shot that grazed the post by Bassoli, Spal simply could not convert any of their opportunities into goals. Their lack of offensive success contrasted sharply with Pineto's clinical finishing, leaving the Spal players visibly frustrated.
As Baldini candidly pointed out in his pre-match remarks, "We have to win four out of six matches to stay safe." This urgent call to action now looms larger than ever following the disappointing outcome of this match. With relegation a real threat on the horizon, the stakes couldn't be higher.
Moving forward, Spal faces intense scrutiny and pressure each time they step onto the field. There are only a handful of matches left for the team to salvage their season, and every point is now pivotal. With injuries to key players like Arena and Paghera, along with the suspensions of Galeotti and Bruscagin, Baldini must navigate the last stretch of the season with caution and strategic planning in hopes of clinching those necessary victories.
This latest defeat against an energized Pineto team serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of the Serie C league. The players have much to ponder as they prepare for the challenges ahead, aware that the road to safety is steep and fraught with complications.
In conclusion, Spal now finds itself at a critical juncture, where each remaining match becomes a defining moment in their pursuit of survival in the league. The team's ability to rise to this challenge will dictate their fate as the season winds down.
