Padua, 02 March 2025

Sonepar Padova-Itas Trentino 0-3, the match report

Match report. Itas Trentino arrived in Veneto with a starting six consisting of Sbertoli as the setter, Rychlicki as the opposite hitter, Michieletto and Lavia as wing spikers, Kozarmenik and Flavio as middle blockers, and Laurenzano as the libero. Sonepar Padova, already certain of staying in the league and unable to participate in the Play Offs, responded with Falaschi as the setter, Masulovic as the opposite hitter, Sedlacek and Porro as wing spikers, Crosato and Truocchio as middle blockers, and Diez as the libero. The yellow-blue team immediately made their mark with Kozamernik (block and ace for an initial 4-1 lead) and further extended their lead (9-4) thanks to another block by the Slovenian and a counterattack by Rychlicki. The home team then loosened the tension and started playing good volleyball during break points, quickly climbing back up (10-7 and 12-11) thanks to Masulovic's full entry into the match. In the middle part of the set, the teams proceeded in tandem (15-15 and 19-18); it wasn't until 21-21 (Porro's attack) that a point wasn't a side out. The final rush saw Trento miss two set points, give one to Padua, but then capitalize on the third with Rychlicki scoring after a spectacular foot coverage by Michieletto (28-26).
The second set sees Itas Trentino dominating the scene once again (4-2 and 7-3) thanks to a strong block-defense system that immediately puts Sonepar on the ropes. After Cuttini's time-out, the Venetians try to catch up (10-7) with Masulovic, but Michieletto defends the attack and helps his team pull away again with good personality (14-8). The yellow-blues continue to push (20-10) with an unleashed Rychlicki, who leads his team with quick attacks towards the 2-0 win that arrives at 25-14 (Lavia scores).
The European Champions start well in the third set as well, thanks to the usual Michieletto (7-4); Padova, with Stefani and Plak on the court, never manages to respond (11-7 and 15-10) because Trento doesn't give them anything, between side-outs and counterattacks. In the final part of the period, the Venetians try to lift their heads with Stefani (18-15, Soli's time-out); Itas Trentino has to struggle until 21-20, but then MVP Rychlicki gives the decisive push: 25-21, 3-0, and first place in the regular season!

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