Bulgaria missed an opportunity to take more than one set against world champions Italy, suffering a loss in their first VNL match. Gianlorenzo Blengini's boys let the initiative slip in the third set, which could have been ours, putting us ahead 2:1. After losing it, we failed to maintain concentration and logically fell 1:3 (16:25, 25:22, 19:25, 19:25).
Set 1: Confident start for the "Azzurri" – 25:16
The match began with a technical attack by Asparuh Asparuhov, giving Bulgaria an early lead. Preslav Petkov and Aleksandar Nikolov were actively involved, and combinations with Venislav Antov kept the score even until 11:11. Gradually, however, Italy took the initiative, led by Mattia Bottolo, who made several consecutive successful attacks. Single blocks by Bottolo and Anzani weighed in favor of the Italians. Set point was achieved through a central attack by Gargiulo, and Francesco Sani closed the set with a diagonal attack. Italy took a 1:0 lead after a decisive 25:16.
Set 2: Bulgaria responds with character – 25:22
The start of the second set was again contested, but Bulgaria showed determination. Venislav Antov and Aleksandar Nikolov executed powerful attacks, while Simeon Nikolov impressed with an ace and excellent coordination in setting. After a series of successful serves, the score was tied at 17:17. Martin Bozhilov distinguished himself with defensive play, and Iliya Petkov and Asparuh Asparuhov brought the team to a 23:20 lead. Set point was secured by Antov, who spiked from zone 2. Bulgaria took the set 25:22 after a service error by Bonifante, leveling the match score.
Set 3: Comeback and pressure from Italy – 25:19
The national team started well with a block by Iliya Petkov and precise attacks by Aleksandar Nikolov. Bulgaria even led 17:14, but a mistake by Karyagin, an unawarded video challenge in our favor, and a block against Alex Nikolov led to a tie - 17:17. Gradually, the Italians stabilized their reception and exploited weaknesses in the Bulgarian defense, taking a 18:17 lead after scoring 5 consecutive points. From then on, Mattia Bottolo took matters into his own hands with aggressive attacks and serves that turned the tide of the set. The Bulgarian team failed to find an answer and cracked at the end. An ace by Giannelli gave the first set point for the "Azzurri", and after a successful pipe by Poro, Italy won the third set 25:19 and took a 2:1 lead.
Set 4: Italian class seals the deal – 25:19
The fourth set started evenly. Aleksandar Nikolov, Iliya Petkov, and Asparuhov maintained the balance. Moni Nikolov also joined them, cleverly tipping for 6:6. After an ace by Moni Nikolov, we took the lead for the first time in the set (10:9), which was the seventh point for the Bulgarian setter. Again, Moni Nikolov brought Bulgaria close to the opponent after a strong serve and a block by Iliya Petkov for 17:18. After a service error by Alex Nikolov, the difference became 18:20 in favor of Italy, bringing the total service errors to 19:19. At 21:18 for Italy, a crucial moment occurred when Marti Atanasov made an attack out of bounds, and the difference swelled to four points. Attacks by Poro and Romano gave match point to the "Azzurri". Giannelli tipped the ball for the final 25:19. Italy closed the match with a 3:1 set score, demonstrating stability and a championship mindset.
🎯 Top scorers for Bulgaria
Alexandar Nikolovwas the leading scorer for the national team with a total of17 points– 14 from attack, 1 block, and 2 aces.
Captain Iliya Petkovscored10 points– 8 in attack and 2 with blocks.
Asparuh Asparuhovadded 9 points, all from attack. T
Simeon Nikolov, the team's setter, besides an excellent game in organization, also scored 7 points
– 3 from attack and a total of 4 aces, significantly contributing to the pressure on the Italian reception.
Definitely today was not Veny Antov's day, who only scored 6 points. He did not contribute with a block or an ace, and his negative efficiency percentage (-15.15%) speaks of serious difficulties in finishing attacks.
🇮🇹 Top scorers for Italy
Mattia Bottolo (OH) – 13 points
Mattia Bottolo was the leading scorer for the Italian team, scoring 12 points in attack and adding 1 block.
Giovanni Gargiulo (MB) – 13 points
Gargiulo stood out with 8 points from attack, 4 blocks, and 1 ace.
Kamil Rychlicki (O) – 10 points
As an opposite hitter, Rychlicki scored 10 points in attack.
Simone Anzani (MB) – 10 points
Simone Anzani finished with 6 points in attack, 2 blocks, and 2 aces.
Francesco Sani (OH) – 9 points
Sani contributed with 8 successful attacks and 1 block.
Simone Giannelli (S) – 8 points
Captain Giannelli showed why he is among the leading setters in the world – in addition to excellent game organization, he added 3 points from attack, 3 blocks, and 2 aces.
🗣️Alexandar Nikolov after the loss to Italy: "At times we played better than them"
National playerAlexandar Nikolovstated after the 1:3 defeat to world championItalyin the first match of this year'sVolleyball Nations League, that the Bulgarian team nevertheless showed a good level. According to him, the "Lions" were equal, and at times even better than their renowned opponent.
"I think we played a good match. At times we played better than Italy. That's what I can say", Nikolov told the camera ofVolleyballWorld.
Alex Nikolov emphasized that the team is in Canada with a clear goal -to win sets and matches. Despite the difficult start, he demonstrated confidence and stated thatthe victory against Argentinain the next match is not just desired, but necessary for the team's self-confidence.
"We want to win sets and matches. That's why we came to Canada. We want results. We are confident and will be even more confident for the next match because we need the win", added the young outside hitter for Bulgaria.
After his good individual performance (17 points), Nikolov remains one of the leading figures in the squad and will be a key factor in the upcoming match against Argentina.
This loss did not affect Bulgaria's position in the world rankings, where we remain 19th.
photos:volleyballworld.com
