The fifth round of the regular season offered everything the Italian championship can give: power from the favorites, with one exception, missed chances, dramatic comebacks, and a historic game in which Cisternasaved 11 match points, before breaking Modena.
**TRENTO – MONZA 3:0
Trento continues its perfect home series**
Itas Trentino achieved its 21st consecutive victory in its hall, decisively defeating Monza 3:0. The hosts impressed with 66% success rate in attack and only two negative actions – one error and one blocked hit. Théo Faure was the top scorer with 15 points and deservedly received the MVP award. Michieletto (14) and Rychlicki (12) supplemented the offensive power.
Monza stayed close in the score but couldn't find a way to change the rhythm of the match. Pádár finished with 16 points, but it wasn't enough.
| Trento – Monza | Score |
|---|---|
| Set 1 | 25:20 |
| Set 2 | 25:22 |
| Set 3 | 25:20 |
Trento displayed exemplary volleyball – stable reception, flawless organization, and impressive efficiency in attack. Monza failed to exert enough serving pressure to disrupt the hosts' rhythm.
**GROTTAZZOLINA – CUNEO 0:3
Grottazzolina missed key moments again**
Grottazzolina played close to their opponent in the first two sets, but in the decisive rallies, the more solid Cuneo imposed control. Feral was MVP with 16 points, supported by Codarin and Sedlacek (10 each). For the hosts, Golzadeh shone with 17 points and strong runs on break points, but collective stability was lacking.
| Grottazzolina – Cuneo | Score |
|---|---|
| Set 1 | 21:25 |
| Set 2 | 25:27 |
| Set 3 | 18:25 |
An even match, decided by composure. Cuneo was confident at the end of the games, while Grottazzolina made mistakes precisely when trying to regain control.
**CISTERNA – MODENA 3:2
One of the most epic matches of the season – 11 match points saved!**
A spectacle was played in Cisterna that will go down in history. Modena took a 2:1 lead in games and controlled the fourth game, reaching11 consecutive match points, but failed to close it out. Cisterna showed incredible character, saved all of the opponent's chances, and won the game 37:35 – a score that ranks among the top twenty in the SuperLega.
In the tie-break, inspired by the feat, the hosts finished 15:11, sealing their third five-set victory this season.
Filippo Lanza was MVP with 24 points, Bayram added 19. For Modena, the top scorers were Ikbayri (24) and Davyskiba (23).
| Cisterna – Modena | Score |
|---|---|
| Set 1 | 26:24 |
| Set 2 | 19:25 |
| Set 3 | 16:25 |
| Set 4 | 37:35 |
| Tie-break | 15:11 |
Modena dominated with serve (10 aces, half by Davyskiba), but Cisterna excelled in blocking (8–2) and played more maturely in the toughest moments. In the fifth game, the hosts finished with an almost ideal attack – 9 successful attacks from 12 attempts.
**PERUGIA – VERONA 2:3
Verona inflicted first defeat on the Eurochampions**
Verona won a marathon match in Perugia and handed the European champion their first defeat. Darlan Souza was the big hero with 24 points and three consecutive aces at 9:9 in the tie-break. Keita added 21. For the hosts, Ben Tara was the strongest with 23 points and an impressive 70% attack efficiency.
| Perugia – Verona | Score |
|---|---|
| Set 1 | 23:25 |
| Set 2 | 25:17 |
| Set 3 | 23:25 |
| Set 4 | 25:16 |
| Tie-break | 12:15 |
Verona applied pressure with their serve (10 aces), and in the fifth set, they kept their composure with every exchanged rally. Perugia lost rhythm at the decisive moment.
**PADUA – MILAN 2:3
Milan avoided a full comeback**
Milan led 2:0 in sets, but Padua came back into the match and forced a tie-break. Reggers was the main scorer for the visitors (28 pts), and the Japanese player Otsuka played great – 77% attack efficiency (20/26). For Padua, the Serbian Masulovic recorded 26 points.
| Padua – Milan | Score |
|---|---|
| Set 1 | 17:25 |
| Set 2 | 20:25 |
| Set 3 | 29:27 |
| Set 4 | 25:21 |
| Tie-break | 10:15 |
Milan showed character after a slump. In attack, the visitors were more effective at the crucial moment, while Padua missed the opportunity to complete the comeback.
PIACENZA – CIVITANOVA 3:0
Three sets, three dramatic finishes
Piacenza recorded a valuable victory, closing all three sets after fiercely contested finishes. Bovolenta was MVP with 21 points. For Lube, only Loeppky (11) had a double-digit score.
| Piacenza – Civitanova | Score |
|---|---|
| Set 1 | 29:27 |
| Set 2 | 28:26 |
| Set 3 | 25:22 |
Piacenza played more maturely at the end of each set. Civitanova once again showed hesitation exactly when they needed to close out the sets.
STANDINGS AFTER ROUND 5
Analysis:The top of the table remains tight, and Cisterna continues to impress with character. Modena dropped important points, while Verona solidified its ambitions for the top positions.
Monzawith Jasmin Velichkov (3 points) and Martin Atanasov (0 points) fell in Trento without managing to put up enough attack against the class of the hosts.
Lube Civitanovaand Alex Nikolov (8 points) lost in Piacenza, once again missing the crucial set finishes.
Grotazzolinawith Iliya Petkov (5 points) and Georgi Tatarov (5 points) lost at home to Cuneo, whilePaduaof Boris Nachev - who did not play this time either - still took a point after a 2:3 defeat to Milano.
