Survival sealed: how Verona defied the odds yet again | OneFootball

Hellas Verona have clinched their sixth consecutive Serie A survival, wrapping up a turbulent season with a decisive 2-1 away win at Empoli. The result marked the culmination of a challenging campaign, shaped by persistent adversity both on and off the pitch, but ultimately underscored the Gialloblù’s capacity for resilience and collective determination.

Manager Paolo Zanetti, in his first year at the helm, steered the team beyond considerable obstacles, delivering what local press have referred to as a genuine “feat”. Verona never slipped into the relegation zone despite inconsistencies in form, their steady course helping them maintain a crucial distance from the drop throughout the season. Zanetti’s efforts have been rewarded with an automatic contract renewal, reflecting the club’s faith in his approach after a campaign defined by tension and grit.

Reflecting the tight bond between squad and supporters, players were quick to praise the role played by fans in helping the team weather difficult spells. Tomáš Suslov publicly acknowledged the unwavering support of the Verona faithful, describing their presence as a decisive factor in navigating what he called a “very challenging season, with many problems and setbacks.” That sentiment was echoed by Diego Coppola, who highlighted the unity in the dressing room and the pride felt at delivering survival for the supporters, “the kind of fans any team would envy halfway through the season.”

On the pitch, key contributions came at both ends. Defenders like Coppola and Ghilardi were noted for their solidity in crucial matches, while Domagoj Bradarić was singled out for netting the goal that effectively secured the club’s top-flight status. The team’s ability to keep their composure under pressure, especially in the decisive fixture at Empoli, set them apart from their relegation rivals.

Midfielder Grigoris Kastanos described the journey as a “marathon of 38 matches, often uphill, with the wind against us more than once.” He credited the squad’s professionalism and their capacity for self-reflection, which allowed Verona to “find the answers within ourselves needed to keep both Verona and Hellas in Serie A.”

Financially, a 14th-place finish brings a relatively modest windfall of €2.2 million as the club prepares for a summer of transition. Off-field, changes are expected as the new ownership group Presidio Investors weighs up its next moves, with the club facing decisions about squad strengthening and longer-term strategy.

The season was not without its disciplinary headaches, with fines issued for pyrotechnics and individual suspensions reminding all involved that maintaining standards is still a work in progress.

Nonetheless, the overriding mood as the season ends is relief mixed with guarded optimism. For players like Coppola, whose performances have earned him a first national team call-up for Italy’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers, Verona’s hard-fought survival serves as both vindication and inspiration for another campaign in Serie A.

Source: Tutto Hellas Verona, Hellaslive