Manuel Zlatanov continues his strong performances in the Italian SuperLega. The young outside hitter scored 11 points for Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza in their emphatic 3:0 (25:22, 25:23, 26:24) home victory over Rana Verona in a match from the fifth round of the championship.
The defeat came at the most inopportune moment for Verona – just six days before the Italian Super Cup semi-final against the 'Bulgarian' Lube Civitanova of brothers Aleksandar and Simeon Nikolov. The two teams will meet on November 14 in Parma.
Zlatanov once again started as a starter and played full three sets for Piacenza. The grandson of the legendary Dimitar Zlatanov finished with 11 points – 9 from attack, one successful block, and one ace.
His success rate in attack was particularly impressive – 9 points scored from 17 attempts, or 53%. In reception, he handled 17 balls, recording 35% positive reception.
This was another good performance by the young volleyball player, who just four days earlier scored 15 points in the dramatic 2:3 loss to Trento.
Piacenza achieved its fourth victory since the start of the season and returned to winning ways after the defeat against Michieletto and company.
Alessandro Bovolenta, who finished with 14 points, was chosen as the Most Valuable Player (MVP). Interestingly, the opposite hitter was questionable for the match until the last moment due to high fever and stomach problems.
"Bovolenta might not have played at all. During the night and up to a few hours before the match, he had a fever and intestinal problems. Fortunately, the match did not last too long," revealed Piacenza coach Dante Boninfante.
Miguel Gutierrez also distinguished himself with 10 points, while Gianluca Galassi added 6.
For Verona, Noumory Keita was the top scorer with 15 points. Rok Možič added 7, but the visitors never found the necessary stability to successfully oppose the hosts.
Despite the clean score, the match was contested. Piacenza won the first set 25:22, then snatched the second set 25:23.
The third set proved to be the most dramatic. Verona managed to erase their deficit and equalize at 24:24, but two decisive attacks by Bovolenta brought the 26:24 victory and closed the match.
Piacenza had an advantage in serving with 7 aces against 2 for the opponent. Verona was better in blocking with 10 against 7 successful blocks, but made a total of 21 service errors against 16 for the hosts.
In front of 2540 spectators at "PalaBancaSport", the two teams played for 92 minutes, with Piacenza demonstrating greater stability in the decisive moments.
"It was an intense match against a quality opponent. We played with determination and concentration in the important moments. I am satisfied not only with the result but also with what the boys showed," commented Dante Boninfante.
Now an even more serious test awaits Verona. On November 14, at 7:00 PM Bulgarian time, the team will face Lube Civitanova in the Italian Super Cup semi-final at "Pala Raschi" hall in Parma.
While Verona arrives after a defeat, the Nikolov brothers and their teammates will enter the tournament with the confidence of five consecutive victories in the SuperLega. The last of them came earlier today with a decisive 3:0 against Milano.
Thus, the upcoming clash in Parma pits two teams in different moods but with the same ambition – to qualify for the final and have the opportunity to win the first trophy of the 2026/27 season.
photo:legavolley.it
