A very encouraging first half in terms of play, not only because of the newly found goal, but also because the standings remain very precarious. Never in the last four seasons have teams in the play-off zone collected so few points. Torres is second to last with just eight points, and the safe zone is already seven points away, thanks to Pontedera's win.

It's best not to look at the standings at this point, especially since after the disastrous start, it will be a long and arduous journey to avoid the relegation play-offs. The first half of the season, with only five matchdays remaining, will likely not be enough.

The next two away games, in Livorno and Rimini, will be crucial if they want to start their recovery. And that presupposes a return to winning ways, a feat they've been missing for thirteen games, since the first round of the championship.

Coach Alfonso Greco has granted them virtually three days off after the 1-1 draw with Perugia. The team will resume training tomorrow afternoon. This is a wise move psychologically, as the players need to unwind from a challenging situation and then return to work with fewer mental toxins.

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