Ljubljana (Slovenia), 10 January 2024

Champions League, Trentino Itas wins 3-0 in Ljubljana and advances directly to the quarter

Mission accomplished in Slovenia for Trentino Itas. Wednesday night, at the Sportna Dvorana Tivoli in Ljubljana, the Italian Champions went 3-0 against ACH Volley, the home team, securing their fifth victory in as many games played in the 2024 CEV Champions League Pool B. This result ensures the top spot in the group and thus direct qualification to the quarter-finals of the tournament with one round to spare.
The yellow-blue team seized the first opportunity to secure its place; but in the upcoming match (scheduled in six days in Trento against Resovia) they will still strive for the best possible result to remain among the top first-placed teams from all five groups and secure a more favourable matchup in the final bracket, at least on paper. Wednesday’s match in the Slovenian capital confirmed the excellent form of the entire team under Fabio Soli's guidance. As in the previous encounter, Soli implemented a calculated rotation, giving starting positions to Magalini and Pace, while resting Michieletto and Laurenzano. The chance to rest Podrascanin was thwarted by a last-minute flu attack on D'Heer. The two newcomers in the lineup were among the main protagonists of the evening: the Puglia-born libero skilfully directed Trentino’s defence with personality and impressive stats (44% perfect receptions, 61% positive receptions, and numerous digs), while the hammer from Verona earned the title of MVP with 14 points, showcasing both quantity (14 points) and quality (57% in attack and two blocks) as the offensive terminal. Alongside him, also in the double digits, were Lavia (the best scorer with 15 winning shots and an identical 57% success rate) and Rychlicki (15 points, with a 67% success rate). The story of the game was encapsulated in the first set, where the home team managed to overcome a five-point deficit (14-9) and took the lead at 17-19. In that instance, Trento demonstrated composure and precision (only two attack errors in the entire match), engaging in a prolonged tug-of-war that eventually saw them triumph at the advantages with a score of 32-30. After closing that set, the match proceeded smoothly, mainly because Soli's team could consistently rely on excellent performances across the net (63% team efficiency) and Sbertoli’s great job not only as setter, but also in serving and blocking (4 total points in the fundamental).

Below is the scorecard for the fifth round of the 2024 CEV Champions League Pool B, played Wednesday night at the Sportna Dvorana Tivoli in Ljubljana.

ACH Volley Ljubljana - Trentino Itas 0-3
(30-32, 16-25, 18-25)
ACH VOLLEY: Sket 11, Koncilja 3, Markovic 2, Pokersnik 10, Videcnik 4, Gjorgiev 18, Kovacic (L); Najdic, Marovt 1, Sesek 1, Song. Subs: Krzic, Satler, Sen. Coach: Radonvan Gacic.
TRENTINO ITAS: Lavia 15, Podrascanin 8, Rychlicki 14, Magalini 14, Kozamernik 8, Sbertoli 5, Pace (L); Michieletto, Cavuto, Berger. Subs: Laurenzano, Brignach, Acquarone. Coach: Fabio Soli.
REFEREES: Jurkovic from Zagreb (Croatia) and Geukes from Stuttgart (Germany).
SET LENGTH: 38', 26', 23'; total: 1 hour and 27'.
NOTES: 2,574 spectators. ACH Volley: 2 blocks, 3 aces, 6 serve errors, 10 action errors, 51% in attack, 42% (26%) in reception. Trentino Itas: 12 blocks, 5 aces, 12 serve errors, 2 action errors, 63% in attack, 49% (27%) in reception. MVP: Magalini.

Trentino Volley Srl
Press Office