Sir Sicoma Monini Perugia secured a spot in the semifinals of the World Club Championship after decisively defeating Sada Cruzeiro 3:0 (25:19, 25:23, 25:21) and finishing first in Pool B. The victory eliminated the Brazilians, the reigning world champions, and paved the way to the semifinals for Osaka Bluteon as well.

The Italian team had a clear superiority in the decisive elements – 12 blocks versus just 2 for Sada Cruzeiro and 5 aces versus 1. Semeniuk was the top scorer with 16 points, while for the Brazilians, Otávio finished with 14.

Perugia established control already in the first set, which they won 25:19, dominating with blocks and serves. The second set was the most contested, but in key moments, Giannelli's block and Semeniuk's counterattacks brought the 25:23 victory. In the third set, with qualification already guaranteed, the Umbrians once again dictated the pace and closed out the match after 25:21.

Solid team play and technical superiority made Perugia the logical group leader and a serious contender for a new world club champion.

photo:volleyballworld.com