Georgi Tatarov played a strong match for Yuasa Battery Grottazzolina and helped his team record an extremely valuable 3:1 (16:25, 25:23, 25:20, 28:26) victory over the temporary leader of the playoff group for fifth place in the Italian championship, which provides a quota for European tournaments - Rana Verona. 💥

Tatarov finished with 10 points, including a crucial block in the third set that inspired the hosts' run. He performed successfully in key moments, including an impressive duel at the net with Verona's leading scorer - Keita.👊

After a difficult start in the playoff race and two consecutive losses, Yuasa surprised everyone by defeating the favorite from Verona, who until now had two wins from two matches. The return of Zukowski - Petkovic as the starting opposite hitter and the excellent form of captain Oleg Antonov (15 points) were key.

Serbian Dušan Petkovic was unstoppable with 25 points and deservedly became the MVP of the match. He served an ace that closed the dramatic fourth set at 28:26, turning the match entirely in favor of the hosts. 💣

🧠Tactical battle between Simonetti and Ortenzi

Rana Verona, led by Simonetti (who took over the team after parting ways with Stoychev), started confidently with a convincing first set thanks to Keita's powerful serve (27 points). However, Grottazzolina raised their level, especially in defense and serving - Petkovic and Antonov made a series of aces, and the block with Demianenko, Matei, and Tatarov hindered the visitors' attack.

📊 Statistics - the most important:

• Georgi Tatarov: 10 points, strong play at the net and in defense

• Dušan Petkovic: 25 points, 2 aces, decisive at the end

• Oleg Antonov: 15 points, 83% success rate in the second set

• Yuasa: 8 blocks, 6 aces, 56% attack efficiency

• Verona: 10 blocks, 5 aces, but lower stability in defense (40% reception)

📌Results from the 3rd round of the group for 5th place (Play Off 5° Posto, Credem Banca):

• Valsa Group Modena \u2013 Cisterna Volley3:1 (25-17, 25-20, 20-25, 27-25)
  🔝 MVP: Vlad Davyskiba

• Yuasa Battery Grottazzolina – Rana Verona3:1 (16-25, 25-23, 25-20, 28-26)
  Georgi Tatarov – 10 points
  MVP: Dusan Petkovic

• Allianz Milano – Sonepar Padova3:0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-15)
  Top scorer: Alessandro Gardini – 13 points

📊 Temporary standings after 3 rounds played:

1. Valsa Group Modena– 9 points (3 wins from 3 matches)

2. Rana Verona– 6 points

3. Allianz Milano- 3 points

4. Cisterna Volley- 3 points

5. Sonepar Padova- 3 points

6. Yuasa Battery Grottazzolina- 3 points

🔄 The difference comes from the number of games won and the point coefficient.

Here are the times of the matches from the next round inBulgarian time(on April 23, 2025, Wednesday):

🕗9:00 PM- Rana Verona 🆚 Valsa Group Modena
🕣9:30 PM- Yuasa Battery Grottazzolina 🆚 Allianz Milano
🕣9:30 PM- Cisterna Volley 🆚 Sonepar Padova

All matches will be broadcastlive on VBTV. 📺
🎉Grottazzolina finally with a win in the playoffs
First three points for Yuasa, who make the Easter weekend in Porto San Giorgio more than sweet. After this success, the team shows that with an almost full squad they can fight even with the favorites. The next match promises even more drama!