Three Bulgarian national players were on opposite sides of the net in the preseason friendly match between Consar Ravenna and E-Group Hotels Fano. The guests won 3:1 (25:19, 21:25, 25:14, 25:20), with Hristiyan Dimitrov and Stoil Palev starting. Denis Karyagin remained among Fano's unused players.
Dimitrov was the top scorer for Ravenna with 15 points. Stoil Palev led Fano's play as the starting setter and added 3 points, while the top scorer in the match was the winners' opposite hitter Giulio Pinali with 19.
Fano took the lead after 25:19, and Ravenna equalized with 25:21, with a key series of seven consecutive points on Berger's serve. In the third set, the guests capitalized on their opponent's mistakes and won convincingly with 25:14. Ravenna stayed in the fight until 17:18 in the fourth set, but Fano finished stronger and closed the set with 25:20.
For the winners, Meschiari added 15, and Cattaneo – 13. For Ravenna, after Dimitrov, Berger followed with 10 points, and Erati and Gianni with 9 each.
Fano was significantly more effective in attack – 57% against 42%, and had an advantage in reception – 60% against 51%. The guests recorded 7 aces and 10 blocks, while Ravenna – 2 aces and 9 blocks.
"The real difference between us and Fano was in attack. We made many mistakes and had difficulties in side-out and counter-attack," commented Ravenna's coach Antonio Valentini. He emphasized that the preparation is aimed at reaching optimal form for the start of the championship.
The two teams will meet again on October 10 in Fano in another friendly match before the start of Serie A2.

photo:legavolley.it