Milan, 27 April 2024

Allianz Milano-Itas Trentino 3-1, the match report

Chronicle of game 4. Fabio Soli recovers Lavia, at least to bring him to the bench, and therefore confirms the starting six seen on the court in the last two games: Sbertoli as setter, Rychlicki as opposite, Magalini and Michieletto as spikers, Kozamernik and Podrascanin in the middle, and Laurenzano as libero. Allianz Milan responded with Porro as setter, Reggers as opposite, Ishikawa and Mergarejo Hernandez in area 4, Loser and Vitelli as middle blockers, and Catania as libero. It was the hosts who got off to a better start (1-4 and 2-6), with Trentino Volley struggling to be effective in attack. Ishikawa looked inspired, but Trento did not give up, and with Michieletto (two aces in two separate rotations) went up 4-6 and then 11-12. Allianz got back on track with Reggers (12-16), but the Italian champions reacted again, getting back to -2 (20-22) again with Michieletto (another ace) and Kozamernik (block on the Japanese). The final rush was dominated by the hosts: Reggers and Vitelli pulled the chestnuts out of the fire, closing the set at 21-25.
After the change of court, Itas Trentino came back with a different attitude, especially at the block and on serve, fundamentals that allowed the first real lead of the night (5-2, time out by Piazza). The guests continue to push with their serve, allowing Podrascanin to make three break points in attack that make it 11-5. Milan gets nervous, makes a lot of mistakes in all areas of the game, and concedes +8 to their opponents (21-13), who instead pass with regularity through Magalini. Allianz tried a final breakthrough (21-17) with Reggers, but then Kozamernik sealed the 25-18 win that brought the two teams back to a tie.
The match became balanced during the course of the third set, with the guests getting off to a better start (6-4), only to be quickly caught up by Loser and Ishikawa, who then also created the advantage (9-11, time out by Soli). The Japanese player scored with his serve and pipe and gave his team a 4-point lead (10-14), which they were then able to defend with Vitelli (15-19) when Trento had tried to reduce it (15-17). Rychlicki tried to lead the charge to the end (20-23), but it was too late: Ishikawa signed the 20-25 that was worth the 1-2.
Milan pushed hard in the fourth set to try and close the match (4-6 and 9-11) again with Ishikawa; Trento responded with Rychlicki, Magalini, and Michieletto (15-15 and 17-17), but then had to give in to the overwhelming power of the Japanese, to whom Porro in fact entrusted all the balls until the final 21-25 that propelled Milan into the Champions League.

Trentino Volley Srl
Press Office