Jesi.An Italian final with three Bulgarian national players will be featured in the fourth edition of the Jesi Volley Cup. Lube Civitanova defeated Japan's Suntory Sunbirds Osaka 3-1 (22:25, 25:18, 25:22, 25:20) and will face Allianz Milano, featuring Georgi Tatarov, in the battle for the trophy on Sunday.
Alex and Simeon Nikolov started as starters for Lube and remained on the court almost until the end of the match, being substituted only in the final part of the fourth set.

Alex Nikolov was the top scorer in the match with 21 points. The Bulgarian outside hitter made 16 successful attacks out of 27 attempts (59% efficiency), 1 ace, and 4 blocks. In reception, he recorded 57% positive and 57% perfect receptions from 7 serves directed at him.

His younger brother Simeon finished with 6 points, impressing with 3 direct points from serve. The setter also added 3 successful attacks from 9 attempts (33% efficiency).
The Japanese team started better and won the first set 25:22. After that, Lube improved their blocking organization and gradually asserted their dominance. The Italians equalized after 25:18, and in the next two sets, they prevailed with 25:22 and 25:20.
Davide Gardini added 9 points for the winners, Mattia Bottolo finished with 7, and Giovanni Gargiulo with 5.
For Suntory, the top scorer was Ben Tara with 17 points. Romanian international Daniel Călin Chitigoi scored 12, and Pei Chang added 6.

Crucial for the final outcome was Lube's significant advantage in blocking - 14 points against 3. The Italian team finished with 50% attack efficiency against 41% for the Japanese, and in positive reception, the ratio was 55% against 47%. Lube also recorded 5 aces against 2 for the opponent. Lube made 26 service errors against 22 for Suntory. This is the first match in Lube's history against a Japanese club.
In Sunday's final, the Nikolov brothers will face their national team teammate Georgi Tatarov. Allianz Milano reached the decisive match after a 3-1 victory over Olympiacos, for whom another Bulgarian national player, Martin Atanasov, plays. Against Lube, former players Santi Orduna and Davy Tenorio, as well as Filippo Bartolucci, who came through the club academy, will play.
Thus, the tournament in Jesi will conclude with an all-Italian final, where the Bulgarian presence will be among the main highlights.

photos: Nikolay Varadinov