In a gripping five-set battle, Allianz Milano pulled off a stunning 3-2 victory over Cucine Lube Civitanova in Game 1 of the SuperLega Credem Banca Playoffs. The match, a rematch of the Del Monte Coppa Italia quarterfinal, lasted nearly two and a half hours and was decided by the narrowest of margins in front of 3,242 fans at the Eurosuole Forum.
A Match of Small Details and Big Moments
Milano displayed resilience, overcoming season-long challenges to defeat one of the league’s top teams. Despite Civitanova’s dominant third set, Milano fought back, forcing a tie-break that was decided by a decisive block from Tommaso Barotto, who was subbed in by coach Roberto Piazza for the match point.
Civitanova’s Mattia Bottolo, who had played nearly flawlessly, made a crucial attacking error before being blocked on match point. On the other side, Tatsunori Otsuka played a pivotal role off the bench, while Ferre Reggers (26 points) led Milano’s attack.
Set-by-Set Breakdown
- Set 1 (29-27, Lube): Lube’s blocking power (5 blocks to 1) proved decisive, despite Milano’s two aces.
- Set 2 (23-25, Milano): Milano’s blocking improved, and they held off Lube’s late push to even the match.
- Set 3 (25-18, Lube): Lube dominated with four blocks and strong serves, exposing Milano’s weak reception.
- Set 4 (23-25, Milano): Reggers exploded with 11 points (71% attack efficiency), forcing the tie-break.
- Set 5 (15-17, Milano): Milano edged out Civitanova in a dramatic finale, sealing the win with Barotto’s block.
Player Highlights & Stats
- MVP: Tatsunori Otsuka (16 points, crucial tie-break performance)
- Ferre Reggers: 26 points, 71% attack in Set 4
- Mattia Bottolo (Lube): 24 points but two costly errors in tie-break
- Adis Lagumdzija (Lube): Top scorer with 22 points
Porro’s Post-Match Thoughts
Setter Paolo Porro highlighted the importance of serving:
“We knew Lube was stronger at home, but we stayed focused. Our improved serving made the difference. Now, we enjoy this win and prepare for Game 2 in front of our fans.”
With the series shifting to Milan for Game 2, Allianz Milano has a chance to build on this crucial away victory. Will Civitanova bounce back, or can Milano push towards the semifinals?
Final Score: Cucine Lube Civitanova 2-3 Allianz Milano (29-27, 23-25, 25-18, 23-25, 15-17)
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