As expected, Olbia will play away against Ischia to stay in Serie D. The 2-2 draw in the derby against Costa Orientale Sarda on the final day of the regular season secured a play-off spot, but Daniele Livieri's team will need to win on Sunday against Ischia to stay in Serie D.
Given their superior position at the end of the championship, the opponent has the advantage of being able to play the play-off at home and avoid relegation even if the match ends in a draw: this is a one-off match for which extra time is envisaged in the event of a draw after regulation time, but not penalties.
It remains to be seen how much of a mental burden it will be to win against a team that has changed management since their last match, a 3-1 victory against Olbia at the Stadio Enzo Mazzella in Ischia, and was in direct contention for safety until the very end, a feat they missed by just one point. And will Livieri be able to recover Aniello Viscovo, Daniele Ragatzu, and Roberto Biancu for the play-off, having missed the derby against Cos due to injury? The goalkeeper was injured in Tertenia during the warm-up, while the two captains complained of physical discomfort on the eve of the match.
Training is scheduled to resume today, with the departure for Campania on Saturday. Olbia will decide their future on Sunday, but the draft must be prepared down to the smallest detail throughout what promises to be a particularly tense week, with the Gallura team called upon to avoid the "tragedy" of a second relegation in three years.
