Sir Safety Perugia took the first step in the Italian SuperLega title playoffs. In the first match of the quarter-final series, Angelo Lorenzetti's team prevailed at home over Vero Volley Monza with a score of 3:1 (21:25, 25:20, 25:16, 25:17).

Although the visitors from Monza started very aggressively and won the first set, the 'devils' from Perugia gradually took control of the match and turned the tide of the encounter. The next match in the series will be played in a week at the Opiquad Arena in Monza.

Monza started the match excellently and managed to impose a strong serve and stable attack. This allowed the visitors to take the first set with 25:21.

After that, however, Perugia raised their level in attack and blocking. In the second set, the hosts equalized with 25:20, and in the third and fourth, they completely dominated – 25:16 and 25:17, to close the match with a 3:1 win.

Bulgarian international Martin Atanasov played a strong match for Monza. The outside hitter finished with 18 points and was among the top scorers on the court. To these, he added 1 ace, 45% positive reception, and 49% attack efficiency, often being his team's main scorer.

The other Bulgarian in Monza's squad – Jasmin Velichkov, appeared as a substitute in the second, third, and fourth sets and finished the match with 1 point from attack.

Top Scorers

Perugia showed greater squad depth and a better distribution of points among their main attackers. Four of the home team's players finished with double-digit scores, which provided stability in attack.

For Monza, the main burden fell on Fracchio (19) and Atanasov (18). However, the lack of a third consistent scorer proved crucial and ultimately prevented the team from challenging Perugia in long rallies and key moments of the match.
photo:legavolley.it