Cucine Lube Civitanova gained a psychological advantage before the Italian Cup quarter-final match against Allianz Milano, whom they defeated 3:0 (25:18, 25:20, 25:23) in a league match, avenging their loss in the first phase at Allianz Cloud. An extremely important victory that elevates Lube to 26 points in the standings, the same as Piacenza, but with one less match played than the team from Emilia-Romagna. On December 29, the two teams will face each other again, again in the Eurosuole Forum hall, Civitanova, in a direct elimination match to qualify for the final four of the Italian Cup. Before that, Lube visits Monza (December 26 at Opicuad Arena) for the third round of the second phase of the championship.
Lube was without Alex Nikolov and Petar Drlic, who were ill with the flu,as well as without Barthelemy Chinenyeze, who was not 100% ready to play and remained on the bench..For Milano, captain Matteo Piano did not play..
The only intrigue was in the third game, when towards the end the visitors took a 22:21 lead, after Lube had led 20:17. Thanks again to the block, coach Medei's boys managed to snatch the set and the match, thus conserving their strength for the most important match this month.
The Canadian international Eric Loeppky finished with the most points for the winners - 14 (1 block, 2 aces), followed by Adis Lagumdzija - 13 (1 block, 2 aces).

For the guests, Reggers was the most productive - 17 points (2 aces), but he was the only one performing at a high level for Milano.

Matey Kaziyski finished with 5 points. The hosts had a crushing advantage in blocks - 12 against 2.

Cucine Lube Civitanova - Allianz Milano 3-0 (25-18, 25-20, 25-23)

CIVITANOVA: Chinenyeze did not play, Gargulo 6, Loeppky 14, Orduna, Bisotto, Balaso (L), Boninfante 4, Porya, Lagumdzija 13, Podrascanin 7, Botolo 9, Tenorio did not play. Head coach: Medei

MILANO: Kaziyski 5, Larizza 1, Zonta, Catania (L), Reggers 18, Barotto, Piano (L) did not play, Schnitzer 4, Gardini 1, Otsuka 1, Porro 3, Loati 3, Caneschi 5. Head coach: Piazza

NOTES: set durations 28', 27', 28'. Total time 1h 23 min.
Civitanova: service errors 14, aces 5, blocks 12, attack efficiency 57%, reception 38% (16%).
Milano: service errors 13, aces 6, blocks 2, attack efficiency 47%, reception 44% (19%).
Spectators: 2,091.
MVP: Loeppky.