Trento, 29 December 2024

Itas Trentino-Cisterna Volley 3-1, the match report

Match summary. For this do-or-die encounter, coach Fabio Soli fielded the recently used starting six, now without Kozamernik for a month: Sbertoli as setter, Rychlicki opposite, Michieletto and Lavia as outside hitters, Flavio and Bartha in the middle, Laurenzano as libero. Cisterna countered with Fanizza as setter, Faure opposite, Bayram and Ramon as outside hitters, Diamantini and Nedeljkovic as middle blockers, and the well-cheered former player Pace as libero.
The first break in the score came from Michieletto with an ace to make it 5-3, soon followed by Lavia, who closed the diagonal for a 7-4 lead. Bayram tried to respond (7-6), but a mistake from him in attack allowed the hosts to widen the gap (11-8), which later increased further (13-8) after another mistake by Fanizza. Bartha’s block on Faure’s tip-ball ensured a 14-9 advantage, prompting Falasca to call a timeout. On the restart, Ramon hit a powerful serve against Lavia’s reception (14-11), allowing Cisterna to stay within striking distance (16-13, 18-15). A counterattack by Faure and a net violation by Bartha pulled the two teams back to a one-point difference (19-18); Soli used his first timeout of the match. After the break, the point-by-point battle continued until 23-22, with the set being decided 24-23 by an attack from Michieletto.
Itas Trentino tried to shake off their opponents with strong serving in the second set. With aces by Michieletto and Sbertoli, the Gialloblù quickly took a 7-5 lead, but Cisterna responded with a block by Faure on Rychlicki and a pipe from Bayram (7-8). The lead switched again as Trentino gained the advantage (14-13) thanks to a block and another serve point from Sbertoli, but Faure’s serving power swung the lead back to Cisterna (16-17). The substitution of Gabi Garcia for Rychlicki provided fresh energy, and Bartha’s block on Faure restored the Trentino lead (20-18). Michieletto then scored again with a serve after Falasca’s timeout, followed by a pipe attack for 22-18. This marked the turning point of the set, which concluded 25-19.
After the change of sides, Cisterna came out much more aggressive, building a solid advantage (4-7 and 5-10) thanks to excellent play from Ramon and Faure. Despite their best efforts, with Garcia staying on the court in place of Rychlicki, Trentino struggled to catch up (9-11). However, Cisterna remained calm and extended their lead with Faure, especially during break points (12-18). Flavio attempted a rally (17-21), followed by Lavia’s ace with video review (19-21), but it was too late as Nedeljkovic blocked Bartha (20-24), allowing Cisterna to win the set 22-25, with Faure scoring again.
Recognizing the danger, Trentino immediately regained control in the fourth set (7-4), utilizing a varied attack and effective serving. The Gialloblù's defensive intensity grew, and Michieletto capitalized on it (11-6), forcing Cisterna to call a timeout. After the break, Trentino maintained their lead (14-9) and increased it with Bartha’s ace (16-9). The pass to the 16th consecutive Italian Cup Final Four came with a dominant 25-15 victory, to the joy of the 3,900 spectators present.

Trentino Volley Srl
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