Montichiari, 12 October 2025
Itas Trentino wraps up preseason with 3-1 win over Modena

For the second year in a row, the men's Itas Trentino team closed out its preseason by claiming a morale-boosting victory at the "Trofeo Ferramenta Astori" in Montichiari. After winning the third edition held in mid-September 2024, the reigning Italian champions confirmed their dominance once again this evening at the PalaGeorge Arena, rallying from a set down to defeat Valsa Group Modena 3–1 in the final of the fourth edition.
The four-team tournament, held over the past two days in Brescia, provided the perfect final test before the start of the SuperLega season (debut on Tuesday, October 21, in Cisterna di Latina). Following Saturday’s convincing performance against Monza, head coach Marcelo Mendez’s squad added four more sets of high-level volleyball, showing improved side-out consistency and increased offensive efficiency from the second set onward — 56% overall attacking efficiency, along with 12 winning blocks, nine of which came in the last two sets.
The Argentine coach used the match as an opportunity to give valuable court time to Wout D'Heer Torwie (starting at middle blocker in place of Flavio: 7 points, 80% success rate on first tempo attacks, and 3 blocks) and Gabi Garcia (match top scorer with 20 points, hitting 69%, along with 1 block and 1 ace). Both players were key in Trentino's comeback after trailing for the entirety of the opening set. Setter Riccardo Sbertoli displayed sharp decision-making throughout, while Ramon contributed high-quality all-around play in every phase of the game. Young outside hitter Giani also made several appearances off the bench, providing a breather for the starting outside hitters and leaving his mark on the final scoreline.
“Winning is always nice, but what pleased me most tonight was seeing the team fight in every situation,” said Marcelo Mendez, head coach of Itas Trentino, after the match. “Our game is improving step by step, and tonight I also want to highlight the strong performance from young Giani, who came in and did a lot of good things. We have two high-level opposites, and both proved their value this weekend. That will be a great asset for us throughout the season.”
The team will return to Trento this evening and resume training at the BTS Arena on Tuesday, October 14, after a scheduled rest day.
Match Summary – Final, 4th “Trofeo Ferramenta Astori”
Itas Trentino vs Valsa Group Modena 3–1
(23–25, 25–18, 25–22, 25–23)
Itas Trentino: Michieletto 8, Bartha 9, Gabi Garcia 20, Ramon 15, Torwie 7, Sbertoli 4, Laurenzano (L); Faure, Giani 3. Not used: Pesaresi, Sandu, Flavio, Acquarone. Head coach: Marcelo Mendez.
Valsa Group Modena: Davyskiba 14, Mati 9, Buchegger 11, Massari 4, Sanguinetti 10, Tizi-Oualou 3, Perry (L); Federici (L), Bento 2, Ikhbayri 3, Giraudo, Porro 3. Not used: Tauletta, Anzani. Head coach: Alberto Giuliani.
Referees: Papadopol (Mantua) and Vangone (Milan).
Set durations: 29’, 25’, 30’, 28’ — Total: 1h 52’
Statistics: Attendance: Approximately 3,500 spectators Itas Trentino: 12 blocks, 7 aces, 19 service errors, 6 unforced errors, 56% attacking efficiency, 35% reception efficiency (10% perfect). Valsa Group Modena: 6 blocks, 6 aces, 26 service errors, 6 unforced errors, 46% attacking efficiency, 42% reception efficiency (22% perfect).
Trentino Volley Srl
Press Office