Serie A relegation thriller: survival on a knife edge

Verona and Pisa scored 24 and 25 goals, respectively, in 35 matches, which is a pretty poor result. Lecce also managed 24, Cremonese found the back of the net 27 times, while Fiorentina and Genoa did considerably better: the Viola scored 38 times and Genoa 40. Their problem, though, are the goals they allowed. According to Opta Analyst statistics, Pisa allowed 63 goals. This is obviously the worst result of the season and the reason why they are so low in the standings. Cremonese allowed 53 goals; Verona 57; Lecce 47; Fiorentina 49 and Genoa 48. These are all among the highest in the league.

In the cases of Pisa, Verona and Genoa, the goals they concede are considerably higher than the scores they are expected to allow. This is a key stat in order to establish the favourites for relegation, so Genoa should be aware that the company is keeping. Pisa and Verona are bound to go down, but the Grifone can still win out and has the players to do just that. Genoa is a way better team than the last two of the bunch.

Games that matter until the end of the league

In the next few weeks, there will be some massive games to decide the relegations. Let’s see what the near future holds for the teams fighting to stay in Serie A.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Eusebio Di Francesco, Head Coach of US Lecce, gestures to his players during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and US Lecce at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Lecce

Eusebio Di Francesco’s boys recently faced Fiorentina, Verona and Pisa in consecutive weeks, before closing down the season against Genoa. Obviously, they hope this last game will not matter at all, as it will be the case if they mathematically avoid relegation before that day. Their opponents are not that tough, and their position in the standings is no longer a concern.

Cremonese

The Grigiorossi have it worse. They play against Pisa (week 36), but must face Napoli and Como, two of the better sides in the league in a couple of games where Giampaolo’s team will probably drop points. So they must win out the other games, which are way more winnable but surely not easy.

VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 04: Paolo Vanoli, Head Coach of Fiorentina looks on during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 04, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

Fiorentina

The Viola is almost out of contention. The team is considerably better than the others we are writing about and must face Genoa, among other better teams. The Viola are probably the team that risks less, in the fight to avoid relegation, given their history, talent and financial means, but must play at their best to keep it safe.

Genoa

The Grifone plays against Fiorentina in a week 36 game where the Grifone is seen as the underdog and against Lecce, in a week 38 match that could be of paramount importance for one of the two sides, or could not matter at all, should Cremonese get to the last weekend of the season already sure of its relegation.

BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 02: Daniele De Rossi of Genoa FC looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Genoa CFC at Gewiss Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

Giampaolo’s team seem to be the worst-positioned to stay in Serie A. Their roster is depleted and their schedule is considerably tough. Motivation will be key for them and they could use some help from their rivals.

Maybe some of them will lose out and eliminate themselves with their own hands. In Cremona, they would be quite delighted should that happen. On Football Italia, we will closely follow how this battle develops, keeping an eye on Cagliari as well, which is not in good shape after the defeat against Inter Milan and could be the sixth team involved in the clash to avoid relegation.