LA SPEZIA – Hello from the Picco Stadium where Mantova faces off against Spezia today on Boxing Day. There are several lineup changes for manager Possanzini's squad, who are eager to build on their recent home victory against Frosinone last Saturday. Among the returns to the starting lineup are Debenedetti, Mancuso, and especially Muroni, who will partner Trimboli in midfield.
SECOND HALF 46′ The second half kicks off! Spezia has made changes at halftime: Falcinelli replaces Nagy.
FIRST HALF 47′ Halftime: Mantova leads 1-0 thanks to Debenedetti's goal. The visitors are down to ten men after Brignani's red card during the first half.
47′ Solini stops Elia, thwarting a quick Ligurian counterattack. The referee gives the foul for an earlier touch by Muroni. Following the free kick, Bertola shoots wide.
45′ Two minutes of added time indicated. Yellow card for Reca from Spezia.
42′ Elia finds himself alone at the far post but misses the target.
40′ Debenedetti earns a free kick, allowing Mantova to catch their breath.
33′ Possanzini reacts: Mancuso off, Cella on, who will position himself at the center of defense.
33′ Salvatore Esposito's free kick goes just wide.
30′ Key moment: Mantova is now down to ten after Brignani receives his second yellow card for fouling Degli Innocenti, leading to strong protests from the Mantova bench.
28′ Spezia continues to apply pressure; Salvatore Esposito's cross reaches Degli Innocenti, who puts it out for a goal kick.
23′ Salvatore Esposito's cross finds Pio Esposito, who hits the crossbar. The ball bounces back, and Mantova clears.
20′ Another counter by Mantova springs from Mancuso and Fiori, but Spezia manages to recover.
18′ GOOOOOOOL OF MANTOVA!!! DEBENEDETTI! A cross from Galuppini finds the head of the red-and-whites' striker, placing the ball at the far post where Gori cannot reach it.
12′ Brignani also receives a yellow for stopping Reca with foul play.
11′ The game starts off quite fragmented; the referee blows for fouls on almost every transition.
10′ Elia's hard tackle on Fiori doesn’t result in any card.
6′ First booking goes to Trimboli for a foul on Degli Innocenti. He will miss the game on December 29 against Reggiana due to accumulation of yellow cards.
3′ Salvatore Esposito fouls Galuppini at the edge of the area: free kick for Mantova. Galuppini's curled kick is met by Mancuso's head but goes off target.
1′ We are off! Mantova is wearing red kit, with Spezia dressed in their traditional white shorts and black socks.
Match statistics: SPEZIA 0-1 MANTOVA Goals: 18′ Debenedetti. Starting XI for Spezia: Gori; Mateju, Hristov, Bertola; Elia, Salvatore Esposito, Nagy (46′ Falcinelli), Degli Innocenti, Reca; Colak, Pio Esposito. Bench: Sarr, Wisniewski, Mascardi, Di Serio, Bandinelli, Soleri, Cassata, Aurelio, Candelari, Benvenuto, Giorgeschi. Coach: D’Angelo.
Starting XI for MANTOVA: Festa; Maggioni, Brignani, Redolfi, Solini; Trimboli, Muroni; Galuppini, Mancuso (33′ Cella), Fiori; Debenedetti. Bench: Sonzogni, Botti, Bani, Mensah, Wieser, Fedel, Panizzi, Artioli, Bragantini, Aramu, De Maio. Coach: Possanzini. Referee: Alberto Ruben Arena from Torre del Greco. Corners: 2-2. Red card: Brignani at 30′ for two yellows. Yellow cards: Trimboli, Brignani, Mancuso, Reca.
Another victory to keep dreaming: Mantova faces Spezia with one man down. Over eight thousand fans are expected at the stadium for the last home game of the year. The Ferrovia curve will reopen, showcasing recent renovations and modern enhancements. A significant atmosphere for the Aquile’s fans will be pivotal for this important match.
Manager Luca D’Angelo emphasized the importance of fan support: 'There is the right enthusiasm, which we must continue to fuel with performances and results. We can't wait to see our fans again on the 26th against Mantova.' Tickets for all sections are available online and on-site, with affordable prices and discounts for eligible fans.
From a strictly tactical perspective, D’Angelo will rotate players after last Saturday's match. He will likely start his top players Wisniewski, Hristov, and Gori, with pivotal supporting roles from Nagy and others. Anticipated personnel decisions will also focus on limiting suspensions among key players. The objective is to secure this much-needed victory as the Aquile aim for Serie A.
Looking back over eight home matches, Spezia has achieved seven victories and one draw, showcasing their strength at home as they aim to maintain their status at the top of the league, competing directly with Sassuolo.
Stay tuned for the live updates of Spezia versus Mantova which are about to commence.
