Bulgarian international Zhasmin Velichkov sent a message of unity and mobilization before Monza's visit to Cuneo in the fourth round of the Italian SuperLega. Both teams are yet to secure a victory since the start of the 2026/2027 season, and for the Bulgarian opposite hitter's team, the situation is particularly dire – three defeats in three matches and not a single point won.
In a statement published on Vero Volley Monza's official website on November 3, Velichkov commented on the team's difficult start and the upcoming away game in Piedmont.
"We faced two of the best teams in Italy at the moment and played a very tough match against Prata, but we can't wait to start winning again. The match against Cuneo will be complicated, especially because we are playing away in front of their home crowd. However, I hope we can play with a clear mind and show our best volleyball. After three consecutive losses, we will try to change direction by playing as a team and staying united," said the Bulgarian international.
Monza started the championship with a 1:3 defeat to newcomer Prata di Pordenone, after which they lost with the same result to Verona. In the third round, the squad led by Massimo Eccheli lost at home to champions Perugia with a 0:3 score.
Against Perugia, Velichkov was among Monza's top scorers with 11 points, the same as opposite hitter Tommaso Frascio. Despite their efforts, the team could not sufficiently resist the champions.
The situation in Cuneo is slightly different. Although they also haven't won, Matteo Battocchio's team has already earned two points after dramatic 2:3 losses to Perugia and Allianz Milano. In the last round, Cuneo lost to Lube Civitanova with a 1:3 score in front of 3530 spectators.
Cuneo's coach singled out Velichkov
Interestingly, on the eve of the match, the home team's coach, Matteo Battocchio, specifically drew attention to the qualities of the Bulgarian opposite hitter.
In a statement quoted by the Italian publication Tuttosport, the specialist described Monza as a young and talented squad that, despite the losses, has created serious difficulties for its opponents.
Battocchio pointed to Velichkov as one of the interesting players in the opposing team, noting that the Bulgarian already has experience in the Nations League with the Bulgarian national team.
The hosts expect a nervous match, as both teams are in serious need of a first victory. According to Cuneo's coach, such matches require a different psychological approach than games against the league's top teams.
Monza's squad also includes another Bulgarian international – middle blocker Iliya Petkov, which adds additional interest to the match for the Bulgarian audience.
The match between Cuneo and Monza is tonight, November 4, at 9:30 PM Bulgarian time in the "San Rocco Castagnaretta" hall. The match will be broadcast live on the VBTV platform.
The history of the rivalry between the two clubs in the SuperLega is short – so far they have played two matches, with each team having one victory. Last season, Cuneo won their home game 3:2, and Monza took revenge with a 3:1 win.
For Velichkov and his teammates, success would mean not only their first points in the standings but also an opportunity to break the negative streak before the next serious challenge – the home game against Modena on November 8.
photo:legavolley.it
