Lube Civitanova made an impressive full comeback as a guest of Rana Verona and won 3:2 (22:25, 25:27, 25:22, 25:18, 15:12) to take a 2:1 lead in the semifinal series. The team from Civitanova is now just one win away from qualifying for the final, with the next match scheduled for April 18 on their home court.
Aleksandar Nikolov played a very strong match and finished with22 points, of which6 aces!,2 blocksand33% attack efficiency, being one of the key figures in the guests' comeback.
The first set started disastrously for Lube. The hosts took a 6:1 lead, then maintained a solid advantage at 14:6 and 16:11. It was then that Aleksandar Nikolov's first ace of the match came. At 21:17, the set seemed almost decided, but Lube managed to reduce the deficit to 22:20, showing they had overcome the initial shock. At 24:22, Nikolov scored his fourth point in the match, including a second ace, but Darlan still closed the set for Verona.
The second set started more evenly, but the hosts still took the initiative first, leading 10:5. A strong period followed for Lube, combined with errors from Verona, and the tie came at 12:12 after an ace by Bonifante. The guests continued to press and gained an 18:14 lead, but two blocks from the hosts brought back the intrigue. A series of breaks for Verona led to 20:21, and then to a dramatic finish. Two attack errors by Lube brought Verona their first set point, but an attack by Leoppky and an ace by Bottolo tied the score. With Keita's attack into the net, Lube reached their first set point, and at 25:26, Nikolov scored his eighth point. In the decisive rallies, however, the hosts performed better – a block against Nikolov and a successful counter-attack gave them the second set and a 2:0 lead.
Lube did not give up and started the third set with concentration. The guests did not allow Verona to pull away, and the game went point for point until 19:19. Then a block by Podrascanin against Keita, a pipe by Leoppky, and Nikolov's third ace put Lube ahead 22:19. Until the end, the guests did not relinquish the initiative and, after another successful block, closed the set 25:22 to get back into the match.
In the fourth set, Lube was playing with completely different self-confidence. The set started with a point from Nikolov – his 13th in the match, and a little later, he also recorded his fourth ace for 3:1. Bottolo's strong serves helped the guests take an 8:4 lead, and after a block by Nikolov against Darlan, the score became 11:7. The Bulgarian international continued to be at the center of the action – his 17th point brought the score to 16:11, and his fifth ace made it 21:16. Until the end, Lube controlled the events, and after a block-out by Leoppky, they forced the match into a decisive tie-break.
The fifth set started with a "drawer" ace by Bottolo, and a block by Nikolov against Keita gave them a 4:2 lead. The Bulgarian again made it 5:3, and then spiked his sixth ace for 6:3. Lube was the first to reach the eighth point at 8:5 after a block-out by Bottolo. At 11:9 in favor of Lube, an attack down the line by Darlan was called out. Video reviews, arguments, and a yellow card for coach Fabio Soli followed. Rok Mozic even threatened that if the disputed situation (Darlan's attack touched Bottolo's hand) was not ruled in favor of Verona, they would stop playing. Ultimately, the touch was proven, and the difference narrowed to one point.
The experienced Podrascanin, who will turn 39 at the end of August this year and played a very strong match, scored an extremely important point for 12:10. Nikolov made a service error for 12:11, and then Bottolo made it 13:11 after a block-out. A pipe by Nikolov set up Lube's first match point. Keita brought one point back for Verona, but in the next rally, he sent his serve into the net, thus ending the match.
Top scorers in the match:
Rana Verona:Keita – 21, Darlan – 21, Nedeljkovic – 12
Lube Civitanova:Nikolov - 22, Loeppky - 17, Botolo - 13, Podrascanin - 10
Nikolov became MVP.
Team statistics:
| Indicator | Rana Verona | Lube Civitanova |
|---|---|---|
| Block | 10 | 13 |
| Attack % | 53% | 48% |
| Points from attack | 61 | 50 |
| Positive reception | 38% | 44% |
| Aces | 6 | 10 |
| Service errors | 31 | 21 |
| Points from opponent's errors | 29 | 40 |
The statistics clearly show why Lube managed to come back from 0:2. Although Verona had better attack efficiency (53% vs 48%) and more direct points in this element, the visitors compensated with a stronger serve and block play. Lube's ten aces against six for the hosts proved to be a key factor, especially in the third and fourth sets, when the series of service pressure disrupted Verona's reception.
Even more important is error control – Lube committed significantly fewer service errors (21 vs 31) and gained a total of 40 points from the opponent's errors. This demonstrates better discipline and resilience in long rallies. The difference in blocks (13:10) also tipped the scales, especially at key moments in the third set and the tie-break.
Ultimately, although Verona dominated in pure attack, Lube won the match through a more comprehensive and balanced game – strong serving, stable blocking, and fewer unforced errors.
Lube Civitanova is now just one win away from qualifying for the final, and after such a comeback, the psychological advantage is now on the side of Giampaolo Medei's team. For Verona, the difficult task remains to react after losing a two-set lead, especially in the next match on away ground.
photos:legavolley.itandvolleynews.it
