Grottazzolina suffered its fifth defeat since the start of the season, this time in front of their home crowd against the in-form Cuneo team. The match ended 0:3 (21:25, 25:27, 18:25), with the hosts realistically only having a chance to change the course of the match in the second set.

In this set, Grottazzolina led almost throughout, showing more aggressive serving and more stable reception, but in the decisive points, Cuneo demonstrated a tighter and more organized defense. In the deuce play, the guests turned the score around, controlling the important rallies and closing out the set, which proved to be the psychological moment that ultimately tipped the match in their favor.

Bulgarian participation

Georgi Tatarov did not start as a starter this time but appeared in the second and third sets. The receiver finished with 5 points and stats: 43% positive and 23% perfect reception, as well as 42% attack efficiency. Although with limited playing time, he managed to provide a boost in several key rallies, but it was not enough to reverse the trend.

Iliya Petkov played the entire match and added 5 points – 1 ace, 1 block, and an impressive 75% efficiency in attack. The middle blocker was among Grottazzolina's most stable players, especially in the first two sets, when the team was still fighting on equal terms.

Stars of the match

The top scorer in the match was the Iranian opposite hitter of the hosts, Mohammad Golzadeh, who finished with 17 points, but his efforts were not enough to change the outcome.

For Cuneo, Nathan Ferral scored 16 points, while Lorenzo Codari and Marko Sedlacek added 10 each. Star player Ivan Zaytsev finished with 8 points. With this success, the team recorded its fifth win in seven matches and climbs to seventh place with 8 points.

What's next

In the next round, Cuneo faces the traditionally strong Modena, while Grottazzolina will host Piacenza.