Vero Volley Monza failed to oppose the reigning champion Itas Trentino and lost 0:3 (21:25, 15:25, 22:25) in a match from the 13th round of the regular season in SuperLega "Credem Banca". The match was played at the Opiquad Arena in Monza, and the guests confirmed their excellent form with a tenth consecutive victory and a secure place at the top of the standings, along with Perugia.
Martin Atanasov started as a starter but played a weak match "," just 1 point total in the first and second sets, after which he was logically substituted. In his place in the third set appeared the other Bulgarian in the Monza squad "," Zhasmin Velichkov, who brought freshness and energy.
Within one set, Velichkov finished with:
5 points
+4 efficiency
1 block
80% attack success rate
75% positive and 50% perfect reception
Nevertheless, his efforts were not enough to change the outcome of the match.
Itas Trentino dominated the match, especially in the first two sets, and in the third showed character, after trailing 15:19, but turned it around to 25:22. The captain and setterRiccardo Sbertoliwas deservedly chosen as MVP for the second consecutive match, leading the team's attack to56% overall efficiency.
A strong match was also played byRamon"," top scorer with 13 points (59% in attack, 1 block, 2 aces), as well as the middle blockersBarta(75%) andFlavio(86%).
Match statistics
| Metric | Monza | Trento |
|---|---|---|
| Blocks | 5 | 4 |
| Aces | 3 | 6 |
| Service errors | 13 | 15 |
| Rally errors | 10 | 1 |
| Attack efficiency | 45% | 56% |
| Reception positive (perfect) | 46% (25%) | 43% (11%) |
The numbers clearly show the difference in class. Trento committed only 1 rally error, which is indicative of their level of concentration and organization. Monza significantly underperformed in attack and made too many unforced errors, which are relentlessly punished against a team like Trento.
After a ninth consecutive loss, Monza welcomes the new year in 8th place with 12 points. Despite the fluctuations in the championship, the team is still in the fight for a better ranking.
The next challenge for the Bulgarians and their teammates is on December 29, when Monza visits Trento in a Coppa Italia quarter-final again against the same opponent, but this time at the BTS Arena and in a direct elimination match that will determine a participant in the Final Four in Bologna (February 7 8).
