Hellas Verona avoid Serie A relegation after 3-1 playoff win over Spezia

They will play their fifth-consecutive season in top-flight

Hellas Verona avoided relegation in Serie A 2022-23 after a 3-1 win over Spezia in the relegation playoff. This defeat ends Spezia's three-year stay in Italy's top division.

The match took place at a neutral venue. It was played at the Mapei Stadium. Hellas Verona made a great start to this battle. They scored a goal in the fifth minute. Davide Faraoni scored the opening goal of the game.

Ethan Ampadu scored an equaliser in the 15th minute and gave his side a bit of confidence. However, the 1-1 scoreline didn't remain the same and Verona added another goal In the 26th minute. Cyril Ngonge then scored his second goal of the match in the 38th minute. The Mastiffs led the first half 3-1.

The second half saw more attacks from Spezia and great defensive work by Hellas Verona. The Eagles were awarded a penalty around the 70th minute. Davide Faraoni was sent off for a direct red card and Verona were reduced to 10 men. M'Bala Nzola missed the crucial penalty and the scoreline remained the same throughout the match. In the end, Ethan Ampadu struck the post.

The Mastiffs manage to survive in Serie A. They will look for a better finish in the coming season. The Eagles, on the other hand, have a huge task in hand as they chase promotion. They will look to make a return in the next season.

Italian top-division came back with the playoffs and layouts rounds. They put an end to this rule with the commencement of the 2004-05 season. However, this time the authorities decided to bring back the rule. This rule is used to decide the relegation spot and title winners.

Whenever two teams contest for a title or for relegation same with the same points then this rule becomes applicable. Earlier, the position was decided on goal difference. From now on, this was to be decided after contesting a playoff at a neutral venue.

Verona and Spezia finished with 31 points at the 18th and 17th positions, respectively. Both teams scored 31 goals each in the 2022-23 season. Spezia conceded three goals more than Verona.

In the end, Verona manages to extend their stay in the top-flight. Spezia will play in Serie B next season.