A categorical 3-0 loss in Istanbul against the hosts from Vakıfbank for Vero Volley Milano. Without Alessia Orro at the setter position, replaced by Greek player Lamprini Konstantinidou, who failed to find a good connection with her attackers, the Milan team couldn't effectively counter the Turkish team's game, orchestrated by Çalıskan.
The final score of 3-0 (25:19, 25:18, 25:17) fully reflected what was happening on the court. The Champions League match seemed to be a continuation of Milano's lackluster performance from their Friday loss against Imoco Conegliano in Milan. With problematic reception, the Greek setter struggled to utilize her attackers. Egonu showed little of her usual repertoire, clearly visible from her 13 points.
Sylla and Daalderop had an off day, and the three middle blockers used by Lavarini - Danesi, Cursagić, and Heyrman - contributed little to the block, where the final statistics showed Vakıfbank's dominance with 12 against 5.
The Turkish team, led by former Novara player Markova (MVP of the match with 18 points) and with Caterina Bosetti, who was extremely useful especially in reception but also in attack, dominated the court to the delight of the numerous supporters who came to the Vakıfbank Sports Palace. With this victory, the team led by Giovanni Guidetti practically secured direct qualification for the quarterfinals.
Vakıfbank Istanbul - Vero Volley Milano 3:0 (25:19, 25:18, 25:17)
Vakıfbank Istanbul: Van Ryk 13, Bosetti 8, Çalıskan 3, Yuan 10, Günes 6, Markova 18, Aykaç Altıntas (L). Did not play: Frantti, Gergiev (L), Uyanık, Acar, Cebecioğlu, Akbay, Yener. Head coach: Guidetti.
Vero Volley Milano: Danesi 5, Konstantinidou, Cursagić 1, Sylla 12, Egonu 13, Daalderop 9, Fukudome (L), Cazaute, Heyrman. Did not play: Jelinc (L), Guidi, Guerra, Pietrini, Da Pos. Head coach: Lavarini.
photos: Nikolay Varadinov
