Trieste.Cucine Lube Civitanova was eliminated in the semifinals of the Italian Super Cup after a 1:3(25:27,28:30,25:17,21:25) defeat to Rana Verona in Trieste. The Italian team failed to achieve a third consecutive victory over their opponent this season, and despite Alex Nikolov's strong match, the "biancorossi" ended their participation on the very first day of the tournament. Thus, Verona got revenge for last year's lost Italian Cup final.
A Bulgarian fan club had also come to support the national team player, and they didn't stop cheering for the Bulgarian.
The match was also watched by national coach Gianlorenzo Blengini, who met with Nikolov after the game.
The Bulgarian national player was the top scorer in the match with 26 points, 6 aces, 1 block, and 48% attack efficiency, finishing with a +9 coefficient. Nikolov also received a yellow card during the game. For Verona, Keita was above all with 24 points, 2 aces, and an impressive 69% in attack (+5). Darlan added 18 points, and it was he who tipped the scales in the first set.
Set Progression
The first two sets proved decisive for the outcome of the match. In the opening part, Lube led 17:12, and Nikolov already had 8 points. Civitanova reached two set points but failed to convert them. Verona got back into the game with powerful serving and a strong attack from Darlan, who finished the set with 10 points, 86% in attack, 3 aces, and 1 block 25:27.
In the second set, the scenario repeated. Lube was again close to closing the set but missed three set points. In this phase, a direct duel formed between Nikolov and Keita, who exchanged successful attacks. Verona, however, was more precise at the end and, after another service break, won 28:30.
The third set was entirely dictated by Civitanova. Nikolov exploded with 4 aces right at the start, Lube took a 9:2 lead, demonstrating aggressive serving and stable blocking. The Italian team closed it convincingly at 25:17, showing that the psychological blow from the first two sets was not fatal.
In the fourth set, Verona once again raised their level in the decisive moments. After 10:13, the opponent imposed a more organized block and higher efficiency in attack. Lube closed the gap, but in the end, Verona attacked more cleanly and closed the match at 21:25.
Match Statistics
| Category | Lube | Verona |
|---|---|---|
| Attack | 44% | 57% |
| Aces | 12 | 8 |
| Service Errors | 21 | 24 |
| Blocks | 7 | 8 |
| Positive Reception | 32% (15% excellent) | 31% (19% excellent) |
The difference in attack efficiency – 57% against 44% – was the key factor for the outcome of the match. Lube compensated with more aces, but 21 service errors weighed heavily, especially at the end of the first two sets. Blocking was relatively even, which highlights that Verona's superiority primarily came from higher attack realization and better management of key points.
Verona will play the final against Perugia, who eliminated Trento 3-0 in the other semi-final. Lube faces a playoff series against Trento, with the Supercup elimination putting additional psychological pressure on the team.
Ultimately, the match was decided by details – five missed set points in the first two sets and lower attack efficiency compared to the opponent. Alex Nikolov played a high-level match, but this time, a strong Alex was not enough.
photos: Nikolay Varadinov
