Conegliano are still the team to catch in Serie A1, and Sunday night in Scandicci showed why.
The league leaders swept Savino Del Bene Scandicci 0–3, but the scoreline doesn’t tell the whole story. The match exploded into life with an incredible first set that finished 43–41 to Conegliano after a long, nerve-shredding battle. Once they finally pocketed that marathon, Conegliano stayed in control to take the next two sets 25–22 and 25–20, strengthening their grip on first place with three rounds left.
In Novara, it was another close one, and another Milano letdown. Igor Gorgonzola Novara beat Numia Vero Volley Milano 3–2, with Milano twice dragging the match level, only to fall in the tie-break 16–14. Novara’s attack was led by a huge night from their main scorer Tatiana Tolok (33 pts), while Milano leaned on Paola Egonu’s points (25 pts) but couldn’t land the final punch.
In other matches, Chieri swept Cuneo 3–0 in a derby that tightened up late, with the last two sets decided in extra points. Firenze grabbed a big away win at Busto Arsizio (1–3), and Vallefoglia did the same in Macerata (1–3) to keep the playoff race crowded.
Results – Round 23
- Busto Arsizio 1–3 Firenze (25–22, 23–25, 22–25, 22–25)
- Bergamo 3–1 Monviso (25–19, 18–25, 25–20, 25–19)
- Chieri 3–0 Cuneo (25–19, 26–24, 27–25)
- San Giovanni in Marignano 3–1 Perugia (22–25, 25–18, 25–20, 29–27)
- Novara 3–2 Milano (25–18, 19–25, 25–20, 22–25, 16–14)
- Scandicci 0–3 Conegliano (41–43, 22–25, 20–25)
- Macerata 1–3 Vallefoglia (20–25, 25–23, 21–25, 20–25)