Position: 16
Points: 36
Comparison with previous season: -3 (15th)
Season overview
This season was Spezia‘s sophomore term in Italian football’s top flight, with Thiago Motta taking over from the outgoing Vincenzo Italiano. Last term saw them do just enough to avoid the drop, but there were naturally concerns as to whether the Aquilotti would soar or flop this time around. After all, fans have seen quite a few debutants emerge on the big stage, only to return to Serie B just as quickly as they seemingly appeared. In any case, Spezia’s second season can be rated as a success as they did not get relegated, but more significant is the fact that they pulled off quite a few upsets to ensure they will remain afloat for yet another year.
Turning point of the season
There were certainly quite a few notable points during Spezia’s second campaign in Serie A, but arguably one that stands out is their five matches played over a one-month period between December 22 and January 23. For the first time in their nascent top-flight history, the Aquilotti combined a series of wins, winning four out of those five matches to help lift them away from the drop zone. What makes those wins especially impressive is the fact that they beat both Napoli and Milan – two teams competing for the Scudetto – and in doing so, very likely set themselves up nicely to avoid the drop for a second straight term successfully. The victory against Napoli came hours after rumours about Motta’s sacking had emerged, but the former Italy midfielder kept his job and eventually help Spezia gain survival.
The coach – Thiago Motta
For Motta, this was a shot at redemption after being sacked by former club Genoa back in December 2021. So far, it appears he has passed his test. While Spezia did face some nervy moments, Motta was able to lead his side to victory against big teams such as Milan and Napoli and get some modicum of revenge on the Grifone by earning a narrow win at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. Spezia formally confirmed their top-flight status thanks to a hard-fought 3-2 win over Udinese, and while football is unpredictable in terms of who will be on the tactician’s bench next season, Spezia’s performances under Motta’s tenure certainly could go some ways to keeping him around for a bit longer.
Player of the year – Daniele Verde
This is a tricky one, as Emmanuel Gyasi also had a very solid season. However, the Ghanaian is edged out – albeit slightly – by his teammate Daniele Verde, whose eight goals and six assists gave Spezia a vital help to survive this season. He has also matched his personal career high that he achieved while featuring on loan for Serie B side Avellino during the 2016-17 campaign. He had promised he would have dyed his beard white if Spezia survived, so he did in the season’s final game against Napoli.
Disappointment of the year – M’Bala Nzola
M’Bala Nzola has had a rather frustrating season, it’s safe to say, as the Angolan international has seen his goal output – and overall appearances – drop as opposed to last season. In fact, his only notable highlight perhaps was an embarrassing cameo appearance against Inter back in April, during which he was subbed on and off in the span of ten minutes. And no, not because he appeared to have an injury, but rather because he – and ultimately even some of Spezia’s staff – had some issues removing one of his earrings. Spezia did lose the match 3-1, but in all fairness, one can’t blame Nzola for that result.
@MichelleB289