TRENTINO with ticket to Super Finals after a nail-biting all-Italian battle

The second semi-final game played on Thursday turned into an even more electrifying #Volleyball show. The all-Italian clash between the 2021 runners-up Trentino Itas and Sir Sicoma Monini Perugia was an incredible and breath-taking battle filled with dramatic turnarounds. Already in their first match a week ago as many as five sets were needed to determine the winner, but this match went to another level. Perugia managed to win the game in tie-break, but it didn't end the battle for the coveted ticket to #SuperFinalsLjubljana at BLM Group Arena Trento. After no less dramatic Gold Set, Trentino could start to celebrate winning it 17-15. The team under guidance of Angelo Lorenzetti will fight for the fourth title. The Super Finals in Ljubljana scheduled on May 22 will be a re-match of the 2021 edition, when Volleyball fans all around the world enjoyed a fascinating clash between Trentino and Zaksa Kędzierzyn Koźle.

TRENTINO Itas vs Sir Sicoma Monini PERUGIA 2-3 (25-21, 21-25, 25-16, 20-25, 13-15)
Golden Set 17-15

Everyone expected a fierce battle between two Italian rivals and the teams proved it from the beginning of the match. Even if the players from Sir Sicoma Monini Perugia were able to run away by two-three points on a few occasions, Trentino constantly chased them being led by Alessandro Michieletto (seven point and 71% of success in attack). In the decisive part of the set, Trentino started to build their advantage, having Riccardo Sbertoli on serve (22-20). Although Perugia managed to make a breakpoint, the deal was sealed when Michieletto went to serve, his ace closed the first part.

Perugia were determined to stay in the quest for the European crown. They took a 10-6 lead, benefiting from Trentino's own mistakes (11 in the second set). Although both sides struggled a lot in receptions (Perugia 31%, Trentino 30%), Perugia with Matt Anderson and Wilfredo Leon were better in attack and thus managed to win the set and tie the score in the match.

Learning quickly from own mistakes, Trentino enjoyed a perfect opening to the third set (4-0 and 7-3) and - in comparison to the previous part - the roles switched. Perugia couldn't find their rhythm being behind by six-seven points and committing a huge number of mistakes - exactly 11 (like Trentino in 2nd set). Even if they tried to fight back, Trentino didn't waste their chance to take 2-1 lead after Kaziyski's spike. The interesting fact was that Trentino recorded 89% of success in attack, but it gave them only 8 points, once 5 came directly from their winning block!

The fourth set turned into a dramatic part. Matey Kaziyski suffered an injury that eliminated him from the rest of the match. Once, Perugia showed that the game was not over yet. Dominating on the attack - unbelievable 20 points in this skills, including 9 by Anderson - and having 78% of positive receptions they won the set, prolonging the game.

A tie-break, like usual, became a battle of nerves. Trento led 12-10, but Perugia, powered by Leon (9 points) came back. Eventually, after Srecko Lisinac served in the middle of the net, Perugia won the match.

This result meant that it would be the Golden Set to determine the Super Finalist. Trentino opened it on a high note, with Michielleto on fire again they took a 7-2 lead. However, even five points of Trentino's advantage didn't discourage Perugia. They battled back denying the first set point. Then with Leon's ace they tied at 14-14, but the team under guidance of Angelo Lorenzetti were trying even harder. Eventually, after Rychlicki spiking out, Trentino started their celebration. Alessandro Michieletto was a hero of the night and after scoring 25 points (3 aces, 2 block, 20 kills and 49% of success in attack) was named the MVP. Wilfredo Leon and Matt Anderson topped the scorers' chart on the side of Perugia with 24 and 23 points, respectively.

Three-time #CLVolleyM champions will fight for another title in Ljubljana facing again - like in 2021 - Grupa Azoty Kędzierzyn Koźle in the SuperFinals.