Trento, 12 March 2025

2025 CEV Cup, Trentino Itas comes from behind to win the first leg of the Semifinals

On the most important European night of the season, ilT Quotidiano Arena held off the Turkish assault, delivering the first act (of two) of the 2025 CEV Cup semifinal to Trentino Itas. This evening, in front of their home crowd, the reigning European champions edged out Ziraat Bank Ankara 3-2 in a thrilling sprint finish, confirming all pre-match expectations. The two teams left nothing on the court, putting on a spectacular and hard-fought battle that ultimately rewarded the greater determination of the yellow-blue squad. Trentino Itas managed to climb back from an initial 0-2 deficit, turning the match around to secure a 3-2 victory with a tie-break that they completely dominated after four intense sets.
The first significant but not yet decisive step towards qualification for the final stage of the second most prestigious continental competition has now been taken. However, to officially secure their spot in the eleventh European final in the club’s history, Trentino Volley must also win the return leg, scheduled in Turkey in seven days, with any scoreline.
In a fiercely contested match, with three out of the five sets decided by just two points over a total of 141 minutes, the class of Michieletto ultimately made the difference (MVP with 27 points, 55% attack efficiency, three blocks, and three aces), along with the consistent presence at the net of Rychlicki (19 points) and Lavia (18 points with a 53% attack success rate). Flavio's first half attacks also proved to be a key factor, as he contributed 15 points at an impressive 73% efficiency, adding four blocks and numerous touches at the net that gradually unsettled the visitors. Despite being led for a long stretch by a superb Anderson (21 points).

Below is the match summary of the 2025 CEV Cup semifinal first leg, played this evening at ilT Quotidiano Arena in Trento.

Trentino Itas-Ziraat Bank Ankara 3-2
(26-28, 27-29, 25-21, 25-23, 15-8)
TRENTINO ITAS: Lavia 18, Kozamernik 5, Sbertoli 1, Michieletto 27, Flavio 15, Rychlicki 19, Laurenzano (L); Bartha 1, Gabi Garcia 1. N.e. Bristot, Pesaresi, Pellacani, Magalini e Acquarone. All. Fabio Soli.
ZIRAAT BANK: Yenipazar 5, Anderson 21, Savas 12, Ter Maat 16, Clevenot 11, Bülbül 10, Baykatar (L); Stern 1, Zonca, Günes. N.e. Sahin Hi., Bayrak, Sahin Hi., Kir. All. Mustafa Kavaz.
REFEREES: Varbanov (Sofia, Bulgaria) and Batkai-Katona (Budapest, Hungary).
SET DURATION: 29’, 36’, 28’, 30’, 18’; total 2h 21m.
NOTES: 2,377 spectators, total revenue €18,331. Trentino Itas: 14 blocks, 5 aces, 25 service errors, 4 attack errors, 54% attack efficiency, 44% reception efficiency (14% perfect passes). Ziraat Bank: 10 blocks, 8 aces, 24 service errors, 5 attack errors, 50% attack efficiency, 48% reception efficiency (16% perfect passes). MVP: Michieletto.

Trentino Volley Srl
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