Milan.Numia Vero Volley Milan inflicted Prosecco DOC Imoco Conegliano's first championship defeat after 16 consecutive wins and did so in a manner worthy of being the highlight of the entire season. In the late Boxing Day match, valid for the 17th round of Serie A1, Stefano Lavarini's girls turned the tide and won 3:1 (22:25, 25:19, 31:29, 25:20) in front of 5,296 spectators at Allianz Cloud. This is Milan's second victory against Conegliano this campaign, following their success in the Italian Supercup played in Trieste.
Already in the first set, the guests set their pace. A strong opening run and a powerful attack by Isabelle Haak gave them an early lead, which Conegliano held despite Milan's attempts to come back. The ace serves of Hena Kurtagic narrowed the gap, but Marina Lubian's block stabilized the advantage, and in the end, an error by the home team's captain tipped the scales for a 22:25 score.
Milan's response came instantly. In the second set, the hosts found their rhythm, with better first reception and clearer attacking decisions. Rebecca Piva secured the first significant lead, Gabi kept Conegliano close, but Anna Danesi's block gave a decisive push. Paola Egonu closed the set at 25:19 and restored balance.
The third set was the heart of the match – long, tense, and full of twists. The entry of Sylla tilted the momentum towards the Venetians, who took the lead in the middle, but Milan reacted calmly. Egonu led the attack, the match became a battle of nerves, and after a series of ties, the hosts snatched the crucial set 31:29.
In the fourth set, Milan was already in control. Kurtagic's block opened up the difference, Egonu extended the lead, and the home team's captain ended the dispute at 25:20, sealing the triumph.
Egonu – Dominant and Decisive
Paola Egonu played a top-class match –33 points, top scorer and MVP, with 31 successful attacks and nearly 50% efficiency.
Milan finished with superiority in key moments – more attack points, stable blocking, and significantly more breaks, which tipped the scales in the decisive phases. Khalia Lanier (14 points) and Rebecca Piva (9) also made solid contributions, especially important in the middle sets.
For Conegliano, Gabi scored 18 points, and Haak added 15, but the guests lagged in breaks and consistency at the end of the sets – details that decide matches at this level.
A View from the Stands
The match did not go unnoticed by the top scorer in men's volleyball so far – Ferre Reggers, who watched the game from the stands. His presence once again underlined the importance of the match and the quality of volleyball displayed at Allianz Cloud.
This victory is not just three points. It is a statement that Milan has the arguments to challenge the hegemon, and proof that when the giants meet, Serie A1 offers top-class European volleyball.
photos: Nikolay Varadinov
