The first round of the new 2025/26 SuperLega season offered everything – intrigue, comebacks, and strong performances by Bulgarian volleyball players. In the four matches played on Monday, Civitanova, Verona, Milano, and Padova won, while two more matches are scheduled for Tuesday evening.
🟥 Lube Civitanova with a derby triumph and the fury Alex Nikolov
In the Marche derby, Cucine Lube Civitanova defeated Yuasa Battery Grottazzolina 3:1 (25-15, 25-16, 23-25, 25-23). After two convincing sets, the hosts allowed a brief slump, but ultimately closed out the match with their class.
Alex Nikolov was outstanding, scoring a colossal 30 points and deservedly being named MVP of the match. The young Bulgarian once again proved that he is a leading figure in the Italian championship and Lube's main driving force in the new season.
🟡 Verona prevailed over Piacenza
Rana Verona started confidently with a 3:1 victory over Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza. Stufero's team showed stability in reception and composure in crucial points, especially in the third set, which ended 29:27.
🔵 Milano turns around Modena after drama and with a young setter starting
In Milano, the hosts from Allianz experienced a true thriller. Modena led 2:0, but after an avalanche of 32 serving errors, 15 of which were in the fourth set alone (37:35), allowed Roberto Piazza's team to complete a full comeback – 3:2.
A curious highlight was the appearance of 19-year-old Leonardo Barbanti, who started as a setter due to Fernando Kreling “Cacopa's” inability to play. The Brazilian suffered a muscle injury, and clinical and instrumental examinations showed discomfort in the right iliopsoas. Cacopa has already begun rehabilitation and is undergoing a therapeutic program, while young Barbanti impressed with confidence and maturity in his debut match as a starter.
⚫ Padova with a victory in a five-set battle and the debut of Boris Nachev
At Kioene Arena, Sonepar Padova snatched a dramatic success over newcomer Cuneo with a 3:2 (26-24, 21-25, 25-22, 20-25, 15-13) victory. Jacopo Cuttini's team showed character and stability in defense, and Veljko Masulovic was the undisputed leader with 22 points.
Bulgarian outside hitter Boris Nachev made his debut in Serie A1, appearing in the second set and executing a successful attack – his first point in the Italian elite. Nachev demonstrated composure and good game sense, and his inclusion was met with applause from the audience.
📅 Remaining matches of the first round – Tuesday, October 21
Vero Volley Monza – Sir Susa Scai Perugia (21:30, live onDAZNandVBTV)
Cisterna Volley – Itas Trento (21:30, live onRai SportandVBTV)
🇧🇬 Bulgarian interest in Monza – who will play tonight?
Tonight's focus will be the Monza – Perugia clash, where we expect to find out which Bulgarians from Monza will participate – Martin Atanasov, Jasmin Velichkov, or both. The match will provide the first answers regarding the role of the Bulgarian duo in Monza's ambitious project for the 2025/26 season.
⚡ Next Round – 2nd Round of the Regular Season
| Date | Match | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, Oct 25 | Yuasa Battery Grottazzolina – Rana Verona | 18:00 |
| Sunday, Oct 26 | Itas Trentino – Sonepar Padova | 16:00 |
| Sunday, Oct 26 | MA Acqua S.Bernardo Cuneo – Cisterna Volley | 18:00 |
| Sunday, Oct 26 | Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza – Allianz Milano | 18:00 |
| Sunday, Oct 26 | Valsa Group Modena – Vero Volley Monza | 19:00 |
| Sunday, Oct 26 | Sir Susa Scai Perugia – Cucine Lube Civitanova | 20:30 |
Even in the first round, it's evident that the 2025/26 season will be one of the most interesting in recent years – with young names confidently asserting their presence. Alex Nikolov and Boris Nachev kicked off the Bulgarian participation in Italy, and today all eyes will be on Monza to see if Atanasov and Velichkov will follow their example.
