National player Georgi Tatarov played a great match in the 7th round of the Italian SuperLega against Allianz Milano, but his team, Yuasa Battery Grottazzolina, lost 1:3. Tatarov scored 23 points, with 50% attack efficiency and 3 blocks, playing part of the match as an opposite.
Allianz Milano, despite some moments of hesitation, managed to win 3-1 against Yuasa Battery Grottazzolina and earned their 6th point in just 48 hours. For Roberto Piazza's team, this is an important victory that brings the necessary calm for preparation before their Champions League debut next week. Outside hitter Davide Gardini (Milano) performed well, leading the Lombard team with 23 points and 4 blocks, earning him the MVP title.
On the other side of the net, coach Massimiliano Ortenzi, after a difficult start for opposite Gabriel Tsvanziger, chose a winning scheme in the third game with three outside hitters - Tatarov in the opposite position, Fedrizzi and Antonov as outside hitters. Georgi Tatarov accumulated 23 points with 50% attack efficiency and showed solid play even as an opposite.
In the first set, the hosts quickly took the lead thanks to the stable play of Gardini and Luati. Grottazzolina tried to react, but attack errors and Piano's effective block allowed Milano to maintain control. Piazza's team won the set 25-18 thanks to well-organized teamwork.
In the second set, Grottazzolina showed greater determination, but Milano continued to dominate with serve and Gardini's attacks, forcing the guests into numerous errors. Yuasa tried to come back with Zukowski's serve, but Allianz regained its rhythm and closed the set 25-20.
In the third set, coach Ortenzi changed strategy, bringing in Schalk as an outside hitter and moving Tatarov to the opposite position. At 16-14 (Grottazzolina-3), Fedrizzi replaced Schalk. The visiting team finally showed better balance and managed to trouble Milano's reception, also playing successfully on block. Grottazzolina maintained their lead and after a point-for-point battle, won the set 27-25, getting back into the match.
Grottazzolina's positive run continued at the start of the fourth set, but Milano quickly responded with Luati's dangerous serve. Allianz regained control, extending their lead to 16-10. Tatarov tried to keep his team in the game, but the difference was already too big and Milano closed the set 25-19 with an ace, confirmed by video review.
The other Bulgarian in the match, Matey Kaziyski, entered only for one serve.
SUPERLEGA CREDEM BANCA STANDINGS
1. Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza 17 (6 M, 6W/0L, 18:5)
2. Sir Susa Vim Perugia 16 (6 M, 6W/0L, 18:6)
3. Itas Trentino 15 (6 M, 5W/1L, 16:7)
4. Rana Verona 12 (6 M, 4W/2L, 14:10)
5. Allianz Milano 12 (8 M, 4W/4L, 14:15)
6. Cucine Lube Civitanova 10 (6 M, 3W/3L, 12:10)
7. Valsa Group Modena 8 (6 M, 3W/3L, 11:11)
8. Sonepar Padova 7 (6 M, 2W/4L, 12:15)
9. Gioiella Prisma Taranto 7 (6 M, 2W/4L, 10:13)
10. Mint Vero Volley Monza 4 (6 M, 2W/4L, 7:16)
11. Cisterna Volley 4 (7 M, 1W/6L, 9:19)
12. Yuasa Battery Grottazzolina 2 (7 IM, 0W/7L, 7:21)
Notes: Cisterna Volley and Yuasa Battery Grottazzolina have one more match played. Allianz Milano has two more matches played.
Allianz Milano - Yuasa Battery Grottazzolina 3-1 (25-18, 25-20, 25-27, 25-19)
Milano: Porro 2, Luati 14, Schnitzer 9, Reggers 14, Gardini 23, Piano 6, Catania (L), Kaziyski 0, Stafforini (L), Zonta 0, Barotto 1, Otsuka 1. Did not play: Larizza, Caneschi.
Grottazzolina: Zhukouski 3, Tatarov 23, Mattei 4, Zwanzig 6, Antonov 9, Demianenko 5, Petkovic (L), Vecchi 0, Comparoni 1, Fedrizzi 4, Marchiani 0, Schalk 1, Marchisio (L). Did not play: Cubito.
Set durations: 25', 26', 33', 27'; total: 111'.
