«With four or five relegations out of twelve teams, the watchword will be“ no mistakes ”. For this we will have to play well all season ». Following the disclosure of the formula of the women’s B1 series championships, with Virtus Biella included in group A (starting on the weekend of 16-17 October) the black fuchsia technician Stefano Colombo analyzes the situation desired by the Federation, which has foreseen a in the face of six promotions in A2, the relegation of a total of 24 teams. «We are a bit stunned – continues the Novara coach -. The choice of the Federation complicates the plans of many clubs: either you have a team set up to make the leap of the category, or otherwise it really becomes a brawl and these situations can take a very good turn, but also very bad. We will need to be stronger than we have been in the past few months. Having lost three expert pawns such as Fornara, Fragonas and Baratella, or three-sevenths of the staff, we will have to be good both at a technical level in fitting in well the new arrivals, and at the level of amalgamation, union of intentions and dressing room ” .
The formula takes into account the fact that relegations have been blocked in the last two sports seasons. In addition to the last four, the eighth and ninth will also take risks. In fact, if between them there are three or more points of difference, the 9th classified will move directly from the category; if the gap does not exceed two points, the playout will be played, with home and away matches and a possible play-off set. Virtus will compete with eleven opponents: Acqui Terme, Libellula Bra, Agil Volley, Valentino Volpianese, Caselle, Sporting Parella, Legnano, Novate, Visette Volley, Amatori Orago and the sardines of Capo d’Orso. «We will face some young teams, but they are always a lottery – says Colombo -. We know something about it: last year we managed to win twice against the Igor, then promoted. Young teams tend to grow during the season, they get better. Orago, Visette and Novara himself, who will change a lot, will be opponents to keep under control ». And he concludes. «It is not an easy group, but in the end there is nothing easy. It is precisely the formula that creates the greatest difficulties. I agree that relegations have been frozen for two years, but placing three out of twelve would have been more than enough. In this way, on the other hand, a bit of discomfort is created in general among the less equipped clubs. The restarting of the companies is also linked to the economic aspect: investing in a historical moment like this, to then risk going backwards, is not at all simple “.