Italian champion Itas Trentino is facing serious squad problems exactly in the decisive phase of the season. Marcelo Mendez's team will play today against Cucine Lube Civitanova in the second match of the quarter-final series in the Superlega playoffs, but again will not be able to rely on two of its most important players.
After one of the team's big stars, Alessandro Michieletto, is already out, it became clear in the last few hours that Daniele Lavia is also injured and will miss the next two matches of the series.
According to information from the club, the outside hitter from Calabria suffered a muscle strain in the abdominal wall. Due to the injury, he will not play in the second and third matches against Lube, and his condition will be reassessed next week. This was reported by the media in Italy, as well as by the famous Polish journalist Jakub Balcerzak on X.
A difficult moment for the champions.
Lavia's absence is a serious blow for Trento, as he is among the key figures in Marcelo Mendez's squad – both in attack and reception. Now the problems are deepening because the team is already without another main outside hitter – Alessandro Michieletto.
Thus, the champions face Lube in an extremely delicate situation and with limited options on the wings of the attack.
Lube leads the series.
Cucine Lube Civitanova already has an advantage in the quarter-final series and will try to make the most of their opponent's problems.
In the Superlega playoffs, games are played until three wins, which means that the second match could prove crucial for the development of the clash.
For Trento, the task is clear – despite the squad problems, the team must find the strength to equalize the series if they want to maintain realistic chances of defending the title.
The absence of Lavia and Michieletto changes the balance.
Without the two starting outside hitters, the attacking burden will likely fall on the remaining wing spikers and the team's opposite hitter. This will inevitably change Marcelo Mendez's tactical scheme.
That is why the second match of the series against Lube is awaited with great interest – not only because of the playoff intrigue, but also because of how Trento will try to deal with the bad luck that has been pursuing them in recent days.
photo:legdvolley.it
