Georgi Tatarov and Grottazzolina lost 1:3 (25:21, 18:25, 21:25, 23:25) to Itas Trentino, but played an extremely high-level match. They surprised the Eurochampions in the first set, but then conceded without being ashamed by the physical power of Michieletto, who demonstrated world-class form. Head coach Soli preferred to rest Lavia, who is not in his best form, entrusting Sbertoli as setter on the diagonal with Rychlicki; Michieletto and Magalini as outside hitters, Kozamernik and Flavio in the middle with libero Laurenzano. Grottazzolina responded with Joukovski on the diagonal with Cwanziger, Tatarov and Antonov as outside hitters, Demianenko and Matei in the middle, and Marchisio as libero. The hosts managed to take the first set mainly thanks to their star Antonov (80% attack efficiency in the set), who was the first to score the 20th point. At the end of the set, our Tatarov also helped secure it for the hosts, which made the audience in "PalaSavelli" applaud for a long time. In the second set, the European champions raised the tempo, managing to close the set in less than half an hour. The hosts managed to get closest to their opponent, erasing a 6-point lead for Trento to 17:20, after a good serving run by Cwanziger, but Magalini restored the distance at 17-23, before Michieletto closed the set 18-25 after another long rally. In the third set, Itas increased its lead thanks to the serve and Michieletto, who attacked from incredible heights (86% efficiency, 81% team efficiency for the European champions - an impressive achievement). In the fourth part, the teams battled to 11:11, after which the European champions gradually built a comfortable lead, which was narrowed to 21:22 at the end of the set. The finale was again marked by Michieletto, a truly unstoppable talent, a stroke of luck for the Italian national team. Flavio scored the match point, but despite the loss, there was thunderous applause in the hall from over 2000 attendees, who applauded the fighting spirit of the Serie A newcomer.
Georgi Tatarov finished with 13 points and 39% positive reception.

Statistics:
Grottazzolina: 15 serving errors, 8 aces, 3 successful blocks, 51% reception (28% perfect), 47% attack.
Trentino: 22 serving errors, 6 aces, 5 successful blocks, 42% reception (23% perfect), 61% attack.
MVP: Michieletto

photos: legavolley.it