Monastir ended Olbia's winning streak, halting their bid for survival at the key moment of the season. Following their derby defeat on Matchday 12 of the second half of the Serie D season, the Bianconeri remain third-to-last in the standings with 28 points.
Direct safety is eight points away, and Budoni, with whom they would currently be playing in the playoff to confirm their place in the division, is seven, so all is not lost. However, given this situation, Thursday's clash with Real Monterotondo, who, thanks to their victory against Montespaccato, are now within two points of the division, becomes crucial.
Losing it would mean slipping to second-to-last place, and with a schedule that after Easter features only one direct clash, against Anzio on the penultimate day, it would take a half-miracle to climb back up, especially if the other opponents in the final rush are top-of-the-table Scafatese and Trastevere and Costa Orientale Sarda, who are competing (among other things) for the playoffs.
At the Nespoli on Thursday, Olbia will be playing for a crucial survival opportunity, as will Monterotondo: their performance yesterday in Monastir, and before that at home against bottom club Cassino, where Ragatzu and his teammates failed to pull beyond a 0-0 draw, were unconvincing, despite the merits of their opponents. To stay in Serie D, much more will be needed.
