Few a few weeks ago would have gone so far as to label the Sala Baganza-Piacenza derby as a play-off for second place. And instead, on Sunday at the Matteo Mussi diamond (game 1 at 11am and game 2 at 3pm) they will face the two pursuers of the undefeated league leaders Avigliana. On the one hand, a team, Piacenza, galvanized by a positive start beyond all the most optimistic predictions, on the other, Sala Baganza, which absolutely cannot afford any missteps that would too soon compromise the path towards those play-offs which represent an objective declared after the relegation from Serie A. Considering the good performances provided so far, it is clear that the away match promises to be fraught with dangers for Piacenza. A comparison perhaps not prohibitive but certainly not kissed by predictions. And thank goodness it’s the red and whites who have nothing to lose, acting as possible killjoys. Coming back empty-handed would be bad but not disheartening, while picking up points would mean starting to metabolise the fact that certain early season objectives were probably too limited. We will see, in the meantime this derby, the second in a row after the victorious one against Junior Parma, is enriched by a challenge within the challenge because the Salesian technical staff is “made in Piacenza” with Gianpiero Carini manager and Gianluca Marenghi and Emilio Albertazzi, until last year in red and white, to assist him. Between Carini and D’Auria, linked by mutual respect and friends outside the diamond, an unprecedented duel that increases the anticipation for a confrontation that could also end up impacting the future of the season. In this fourth round the leaders Avigliana do not seem to risk at Junior’s home while Brescia, opposite the bottom Ares, could benefit from the direct clash between the opponents who precede them. Finally Porta Mortara and Seveso is already a delicate challenge to get away from the low areas.
THE OTHER MATCHES: Junior Parma-Avigliana, Bresca-Ares Milano and Porta Mortara Novara-Altopiano Seveso.
RANKING: Avigliana 1000 (6-6-0), Sala Baganza and Piacenza 833 (6-5-1), Brescia 500 (6-3-3), Altopiano Seveso and Porta Mortara Novara 333 (6-2-4), Junior Parma 167 (6-1-5), Ares Milano 0 (6-0-6).
