Avellino Faces Empoli in Crucial Serie B Clash Amidst Squad Concerns and Coaching Resilience
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AVELLINO, ITALY – Avellino prepares to host Empoli in a pivotal Serie B match today, navigating a complex landscape of player availability, tactical uncertainty, and external criticism. The encounter pits two teams with contrasting recent form against each other, with Avellino seeking to climb out of the relegation zone and Empoli aiming to solidify their playoff position.
This match carries meaningful weight for Avellino, currently battling to avoid dropping further into Serie C. A win against a strong Empoli side would provide a vital boost, while a loss could deepen their struggles.The game also represents a test of Avellino coach Massimo Biancolino‘s leadership, as he confronts both on-field challenges and off-field scrutiny.
Historical Context & Recent Form
Historically,encounters between Avellino and Empoli have been closely contested. While a comprehensive historical record wasn’t provided, the current context reveals a team in Avellino undergoing significant change. Biancolino has made decisive, if controversial, decisions regarding squad selection, notably excluding Rigione, Cagnano, and Manzi from the team, stating, “It’s my decision and that of the staff: at the moment they aren’t giving me what I ask for. I will never say what happened.”
Avellino’s attack is centered around the fitness of Tutino, described as “regaining his condition,” alongside potential starter Patierno, tho the coach notes he “doesn’t have the ninety minutes” yet. Crespi remains unavailable. Empoli, meanwhile, arrives with a more settled squad and a clear ambition to secure a playoff berth.
Tactical Flexibility and Injury Updates
Biancolino has indicated tactical flexibility, stating, “We can defend with three or four,” and noting improved form from Šimić. The midfield may see “some changes…to have greater intensity,” with Insigne, Russo, Palumbo, Besaggio, and Biasci vying for positions. Cancellotti offers versatility, capable of playing as both a full-back and a central defender.
A lengthy medical report details Avellino’s injury concerns: Marco Armellino (left soleus muscle), Valerio Crespi (left iliac wing blunt trauma), Luca D’Andrea (external meniscus surgery), Andrea Favilli (bone resection), Antony Iannarilli (right cervicobrachialgia), Roberto Insigne (left flexor muscle-tendon elongation), and Giuseppe Panico (left quadriceps muscle injury).
Biancolino Addresses Criticism
Facing external pressure, Biancolino acknowledged the criticism, stating, “I would be hypocritical to say that they don’t bother me.From day one there was always a certain bad mood, but with my strength and with the help of the boys and the club I overcame everything. I transform criticism into energy.”
Avellino Squad List:
* Goalkeepers: daffara, Pane, Marson
* Defenders: Missori, Marchisano, cancellotti, Šimić, Enrici, Mellino, Fontanarosa, Milani
* Midfielders: Palmiro, Gyabuaa, Kumi, Palumpbo, Sounaas, Besaggio
* Attackers: Tutino, Patierno, Russo, Biasci, Lescano
