Georgi Tatarov made an excellent debut for Allianz Milano and became the top scorer in the friendly match against Vero Volley Monza. Guillermo Falasca's team won 4:0 (25:22, 25:22, 27:25, 29:27), and the Bulgarian outside hitter finished with 17 points.
Tatarov started as a starter alongside Seppe Rotty at reception. Santiago Orduna was the setter, Basil Dermaux – opposite, Roberlandy Simon and Edoardo Bartolucci – middle blockers, and Damiano Catania – libero.
Milano started strong on serve, in attack, and on block, taking a 9:3 lead in the first set. Monza managed to come back to 12:12 and even briefly took the lead, but the visitors regained the initiative and reached 25:22. In this part, Milano's attack worked with 59% efficiency against 48% for the hosts.
Tatarov played a significant role in the second set. After an even start, the Bulgarian finished a nice attack down the line for 5:5. Monza managed to take a 15:12 lead, but Milano equalized at 17:17 and turned the score around. The visitors again closed the set at 25:22, with Tatarov scoring 5 points in this part.

Falasca started making changes in the third set, gradually giving playing time to his other players. Milano took the lead after two consecutive aces by Rotty, but Monza came back from 22:23 and reached set point at 24:23. The visitors turned the tide and won 27:25.
The two teams also played a fourth set, in which Milano relied mainly on its young players. Monza led 13:9, but the visitors caught up, and after another contested finish, they reached 29:27, making the final score 4:0.
On the other side of the net, Iliya Petkov made his debut for Vero Volley Monza. The Bulgarian middle blocker started as a starter alongside Thomas Beretta and finished with 4 points. The third Bulgarian in the two squads – Zhasmin Velichkov – did not play, with Monza clarifying that he had an individual training session.
The difference between the two teams was most noticeable in serving and blocking. Milano finished with 14 aces and 14 kill blocks against 7 aces and 5 blocks for Monza. In attack, the winners recorded 51% efficiency against 47% for the hosts.
After Tatarov, Rotty and Bartolucci were Milano's top scorers with 9 points each, Dermaux and Federico Argano added 7 each. Roberlandy Simon also made his debut, playing the first set and scoring 5 points – 3 in attack, 1 ace, and 1 block.

For Monza, Diego Frascio was the top scorer with 14 points.
After the friendly match, Milano departs for a week-long camp in Scheggino. Tatarov's team's next challenge is the Jesi Volley Cup on October 10 and 11.

photos:Vero Volley Monza