The Italian SuperLega Credem Banca has provided non-stop excitement this season, with both semifinals’ fourth matches concluding in a similar fashion. Consequently, a final, decisive fifth match will determine the finalists in each series.
In the first match of the day, Allianz Milano appeared to be on their way to securing a place in the grand final, leading 2-0 in sets. However, Lube Civitanova once again exhibited their resilience, staging a remarkable comeback and winning the Game 4 convincingly, forcing the final match to be played on their home court. Malon Yant was named the MVP, scoring 26 points, with Nikolov and Zaytsev contributing 18 and 17 points respectively to the winning team’s cause. Allianz Milano’s top scorer was Yuki Ishikawa, with 23 points.
The second match between Piacenza and Trentino resulted in a three-set victory for the home team. Although the scoreline does not reflect it, the game was filled with excitement. Trentino led until the score was 23-22 in the second set, but Piacenza won three points in a row to claim the set. In the third set, the lead changed hands repeatedly until Piacenza pulled ahead and earned five match points. After missing four opportunities, the home team finally secured the fifth point, winning the set 25-23 and the match 3-0 to level the series at 2-2. The final, decisive fifth match will be played in Trento. Yoady Leal was the match’s top scorer, with 17 points, while Robertlandy Simon contributed 13 points and the game’s MVP, Yuri Romano, scored 12 points. Three Itas Trentino players scored in double figures, with Matey Kaziyski and Alessandro Michieletto both scoring 13 points, and Srecko Lisinac adding 11 points.
Allianz Milano vs Cucine Lube Civitanova 2-3 (25-23, 25-18, 19-25, 22-25, 7-15) – (Series 2-2)
Allianz Milano: Porro 2, Ishikawa 23, Loser 10, Patry 12, Mergarejo Hernandez 19, Piano 8, Pesaresi (L), Vitelli, Fusaro, Colombo, Bonacchi, Ebadipour, Lawrence, Coach: Piazza Cucine Lube Civitanova: De Cecco 1, Yant Herrera 26, Chinenyeze 11, Zaytsev 17, Nikolov 18, Anzani 11, Garcia Fernandez 1, D’Amico, Balaso (L), Bottolo, Ambrose, Diamantini, Gottardo, Sottile, Coach: Blengini
Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza vs Itas Trentino 3-0 (25-21, 25-23, 25-23) – (Series 2-2)
Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza: Brizard 1, Lucarelli 9, Simon 13, Romanò 12, Leal 17, Caneschi 2, Scanferla (L), Basic, Hoffer, Recine, Gironi, Alonso, Cester, De Wejier, Coach: Botti
Itas Trentino: Sbertoli 2, Lavia 3, Lisinac 11, Kaziyski 13, Michieletto 13, Podrascanin 1, Laurenzano (L); Nelli, Džavoronok, Pace, D’Heer, Cavuto, Berger, Depalma, Coach: Lorenzetti.
