Perugia took another decisive step towards the semi-finals of the Italian SuperLega playoffs. In the second quarterfinal match, the team won as a guest against Monza with 3:2 (25:22, 23:25, 25:21, 19:25, 15:11) and now leads the series 2-0.

The match offered serious intrigue and several comebacks during the individual sets. Perugia started more confidently and took the lead, but Monza reacted immediately and equalized. The guests regained their advantage, after which the hosts showed character and took the match to a tie-break. In the decisive set, however, Perugia dictated its pace from the start and closed the match without hesitation.

The young Bulgarian international Zhasmin Velichkov played a strong match for Monza, remaining on the court for all five sets. The outside hitter finished with 17 points (+9), 3 aces, 1 block, 46% positive reception, and 50% attack efficiency.

The other Bulgarian international in Monza's squad, Martin Atanasov, did not feature in the game.

Fracchio was the top scorer in the match with 27 points. Erik Röös contributed 14 points in attack and captain Thomas Beretta added 10, but their efforts were only enough for the hosts to equalize the match and take it to a tie-break.

For Perugia, the leading scorers were Kamil Semeniuk with 22 points, Roberto Russo with 16, and Wassim Ben Tara with 15, who led the team to the valuable victory.

Team statistics

Monza had superiority in blocking and serving, but Perugia compensated with far higher attack efficiency and better reception. It was the stability in the first touch and fewer hesitations in key moments that allowed the visitors to control the tie-break and move closer to the semi-finals.

The third match of the series is scheduled for March 18 in Perugia, where the hosts will have the opportunity to close out the quarterfinal clash.