The regular season in the Italian Serie A2 concluded with an intense final round, which definitively shaped the standings, playoff pairings, and individual awards. Bulgarian participation was once again at a high level – both on a team and individual basis.
Results from the last round
Sorrento – Prata 3:2 (25:27,21:25,25:19,25:22,15:12)
Porto Viro – Brescia 0:3 (21:25,18:25,23:25)
Siena – Aversa 3:2 (20:25,31:33,25:18,25:23,15:11)
Taranto – Catania 3:0 (25:17,25:16,25:20)
Ravenna – Pineto 1:3 (23:25,19:25,25:20,22:25)
Lagonero – Fano 3:0 (25:17,25:18,25:21)
Cantù – Macerata 0:3 (23:25,18:25,15:25)
Bulgarian participation
Ravenna – three with a contribution
In the loss to leader Pineto1:3 (23:25,19:25,25:20,22:25):
| Player | Points | +/- | Attack | Reception | Aces | Block |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hristiyan Dimitrov | 20 | +5 | 45% | - | 2 | 1 |
| Manuel Zlatanov | 15 | +5 | 54% | 63% positive | 0 | 2 |
| Samuil Valchinov | 8 | - | 47% | 45% positive | 0 | 1 |
Ravenna conceded, but Dimitrov was once again the main scorer, while Zlatanov demonstrated excellent efficiency and stable reception.
Macerata – confident finish
In the victory over Cantù3:0 (25:23,25:18,25:15):
| Player | Points | +/- | Attack | Reception | Aces | Block |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rusi Zhelev | 9 | +6 | 54% | 60% positive / 40% perfect | 1 | 1 |
| Denis Karyagin | 11 | +4 | 44% | 60% positive | 2 | 1 |
Zhelev and Karyagin contributed to the decisive success, which guaranteed participation in the playoffs. Nikolay Ivanov from Cantù did not take part.
Sorrento - the salvation
Sorrento defeated Prata3:2 (25:27,21:25,25:19,25:22,15:12)and secured their stay.
| Player | Points | +/- | Aces | Block | Attack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preslav Petkov | 8 | -5 | 1 | 5 | 22% |
Despite low attack efficiency (22%) and a negative balance, Petkov compensated witha very strong presence at the block (5 points), which has key value in a match decided in a tie-break.
A victory that secured a second consecutive season in Serie A2.
Playoff pairings
Pineto – Porto Viro
Brescia – Macerata
Prata – Lagonegro
Ravenna – Aversa
The most interesting clash appears to be Brescia – Macerata, where there is also direct Bulgarian participation.
Scorers' ranking
| Position | Player | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Denis Karyagin | Macerata | 467 |
| 8 | Hristiyan Dimitrov | Ravenna | 399 |
| 9 | Manuel Zlatanov | Ravenna | 392 |
Karyagin finishes in the top 3 and is the most prolific outside hitter, while Dimitrov and Zlatanov complete Ravenna's strong presence in the individual standings.
Survival and relegation
Sorrento remains in Serie A2for a second consecutive season
Cantù is relegated to Serie A3, despite efforts throughout the season
The difference was made in the details Sorrento seized the last chance, while Cantù failed to find the necessary stability during the season.
Summary
The regular season ended with a clear structure:
a stable leader in Pineto
strong competition in the top 4
Bulgarian influence in the playoff zone
a dramatic but logical outcome at the bottom
All eyes are now on the playoffs, where Bulgarian players will have a key role in the battle for promotion.
photos: legavolley.it
