Hristiyan Dimitrov started the new season in the Italian Serie A2 with 11 points, but his Ravenna lost at home to Grottazzolina with 0:3 (21:25, 23:25, 27:29) in the first round of the championship.
The Bulgarian opposite was a starter in front of 1702 spectators in the "Pala de Andre" hall and finished as the second top scorer for the hosts after Andrea Cominetti, who scored 16 points.
Ravenna faced an opponent who played in the SuperLega last season and has ambitions to quickly return to the elite. Despite losing the first two sets, Dimitrov's team had the opportunity to bring intrigue back into the match.
In the third set, the guests took a 12:6 lead, but Ravenna gradually erased the deficit. Dimitrov contributed to the comeback with a direct point from a serve, and the hosts equalized at 18:18 and subsequently reached two set points.
Grottazzolina, however, withstood the pressure and won 29:27 after two consecutive aces by Michele Fedrizzi.
After the match, Dimitrov expressed disappointment at the missed opportunity, but also confidence in his team's potential.
"We shouldn't be discouraged. We played equally and if we continue like this, we will achieve results against strong teams," commented the Bulgarian opposite.

For the winners, Oreste Cavuto was the top scorer with 14 points and received the award for the most valuable player of the match.
On October 25, Ravenna will seek their first victory of the season in an away match against Porto Viro.

photos:legavolley.it