Itas Trentino begins its participation in the Supercup Final Four without its biggest star. Alessandro Michieletto dropped out of the squad due to an incomplete stress fracture in the right base of the fourth lumbar vertebra – an injury that requires specific treatment and careful rehabilitation. The outside hitter remained in Trento and will not take part in the semi-final against Sir Susa Vim Perugia.

His absence comes at a time when the season is entering a decisive phase. Michieletto is not just a key scorer, but a defining figure in the game model – stable in reception, effective in attack, and active in blocking and serving. His absence changes the balance in Marcelo Mendez's system.

A semi-final with the weight of a final

Today at PalaTrieste, Trento faces Perugia in the opening semi-final of the tournament. The clash pits the third-placed team from the regular season against the league leader – a team that has six Supercup trophies and has dominated the competition in recent years.

Perugia arrives with confidence and squad depth, despite the absence of Agustino Loser, while Trento will have to compensate for the absence of its frontman through greater attack variability and aggression from the serve. The match is not just a battle for a place in the final, but a direct test of the champion's psychological resilience.

The bigger question – the playoffs and Euro 2026

However, the problem extends beyond the Supercup. Recovery from this type of lumbar fracture requires time and controlled loading, which casts doubt on Michieletto's participation in the decisive phase of the championship.

Even more serious is the outlook for the national team. Italy is looking towards the European Championship in 2026 with ambitions for another title, which also serves as a qualifier for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, but at this moment there is no clarity whether one of the leading figures of the "Azzurri" will be available to the head coach.

Thus, the Supercup in Trieste begins with a big match, but also with a big question mark. Not only for Trento tonight, but also for the future of one of the most significant players in modern European volleyball.
photo: legavolley.it