Vladimir Garkov and Boris Nachev finished with double-digit points in Gioia del Colle's home defeat to Pineto with a score of 1:3 (25:19, 24:26, 21:25, 20:25). The match from the second round of the Italian Serie A2 was played on October 25 in front of a full house at "PalaCapurso" and lasted 124 minutes.
The two Bulgarians started as starters. Garkov scored 12 points, and Nachev added 10. The outside hitter distinguished himself with several successful attacks early on, while the middle blocker stopped Riccardo Coppelli and Belgian international Bram van den Dries on the block, helping to establish an early lead.

Gioia del Colle convincingly won the first set, and in the second, they were close to doubling their lead. The hosts led 22:18 and reached three set points at 24:21, but lost five consecutive rallies. Luca Di Felice, who came in to serve, contributed an ace for the comeback, and captain Paolo Di Silvestre closed the set with a block against Felice Sette.
The Italian Cup winner in Serie A2 took advantage of the hosts' hesitation and won the next two sets. Nachev saved the first match point in the fourth set, but Nicola Candeli ended the match with an attack through the middle.
Giulio Sabbi was the top scorer for Gioia del Colle with 19 points, and Sette added 16. Di Silvestre led Pineto with 22 points, followed by Czech outside hitter Martin Licek with 13.
After the match, coach Francesco Denora Caporusso noted that the team remained under the influence of the disappointment of the lost second set for too long. According to him, Gioia del Colle creates enough opportunities but needs to improve its attack choices and show more patience in long rallies.

photos:legavolley.it