Bulgarian internationals Iliya Petkov and Zhasmin Velichkov started as regulars for Monza in their 1:3 (22:25, 25:19, 21:25, 23:25) defeat to newcomer Prata di Pordenone in the first round of the Italian SuperLega.
Petkov finished with 13 points, and Velichkov added 12, but their efforts were not enough to prevent the hosts' historic first victory in the elite championship. The match was played in the "PalaCrisafulli" hall in Pordenone in front of 1956 spectators.
The most dramatic moment occurred in the fourth set. Prata led 23:17 and seemed close to victory when a series of strong serves from Iliya Petkov allowed Monza to erase their deficit and tie at 23:23. However, the hosts kept their composure in the decisive two rallies and closed the match 25:23.
Right at the start of the match, Prata imposed their rhythm and took a 3:0 lead, which forced Monza's coach Massimo Eccheli to call an early timeout. The visitors gradually reduced the difference, getting closer to 16:18 in the middle of the set. An ace by Perin made the score 18:19, but the hosts held their lead and won 25:22.
Monza reacted in the second set, improving their attack organization and leveling the score after a 25:19 win.
The third set proved to be a turning point. Prata managed to turn its development around and reach 25:21, restoring their lead in the overall score.
In the fourth set, the hosts again took the initiative. They led 7:3, then 15:10, and at 22:16 looked completely convincing. Petkov's strong serving run followed, bringing Monza back into the fight, but it did not lead to a fifth set.
The most effective scorer for the visitors was opposite Diego Frascio with 16 points, followed by Petkov with 13 and Velichkov with 12. For the winners, Belgian middle blocker Wout D'Heer scored 18 points and received the MVP award. Opposite Mikael Koks added 17, and Brazilian outside hitter Lucas Bergmann – 12.
The defeat left Monza without points after the first round. On October 25, the team will host Verona, while Prata di Pordenone will visit champions Perugia.