Leonardo Semplici admits Spezia must now rely on Verona and Lecce to slip up in order to avoid relegation after a 4-0 defeat to Torino. ‘We disappeared from the pitch.’
They went into the penultimate round of the Serie A season with a one-point advantage over Verona, but could see themselves leapfrogged tomorrow when Hellas welcome Empoli.
This was the last home match of the campaign and should’ve been a chance for Spezia to consolidate their position, only to result in a 4-0 humiliation at the hands of Torino.
“After they doubled their lead, we just disappeared from the pitch,” Semplici told DAZN.
“The way we left the game is pretty inexplicable. Previous performances had not given us any warning signs. It’s disappointing to do this badly in front of our fans, now we have to hope the others lose as well, otherwise it’s going to get tough.”
If Lecce win against Monza tomorrow afternoon, then they will be safe from relegation, leaving it all down to Verona and Spezia.
The final round of the season sees Verona visit Milan, while Spezia are up against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.
“I think the lads want to react. I wanted more aggressive figures on the field and we managed it in the opening minutes, but then something happened I just can’t explain. The fans are not happy and that is the aspect that disappoints me the most.”
Spezia are liable to face heavy fines as well after the game against Torino, because play had to be halted twice for the behaviour of the home fans.
First they hurled racist abuse at Torino coach Ivan Juric, then started throwing objects into the penalty area manned by Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.