Perugia finished the series against Monza with a third victory and is in the SuperLega semifinals.
Sir Susa Vim Perugia definitively closed the 1/4-final playoff series against Vero Volley Monza, after winning the third match 3:0 (25:19, 25:23, 25:20). Thus, the team from Perugia qualified for the 1/2-finals in the Italian SuperLega Credem Banca and is now awaiting the winner of the pair between Modena and Piacenza.
In the other 1/4-final series, Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza took a 2:1 lead in victories after defeating Valsa Group Modena as a guest with 3:1 (25:17, 17:25, 25:20, 30:28). Thus, Perugia will await the outcome of this very clash.
In the decisive third match against Monza, the hosts controlled events at key moments. Perugia was the more stable team in attack, maintained a higher level of organization, and managed to close the match in three sets without allowing the opponent to turn the game into a longer battle.
The top scorers for the winners were Wassim Ben Tara and Oleh Plotnytskyi with 13 points each, Roberto Russo added 12, and Kamil Semeniuk finished with 10 points.
For Monza, Bulgarian international Zhasmin Velichkov remained on the court for the entire match and finished with 8 points, 2 blocks, 29% positive reception, and 30% attack efficiency. Eric Loehrs scored 15 points for the team from Brianza, and Diego Fracchio finished with 11. Martin Atanasov did not appear in the game for the second consecutive match due to injury.
Perugia won cleanly, but the second and third sets show that Monza had its chances to keep the intrigue alive. Nevertheless, the class and depth of the hosts' squad prevailed in the decisive rallies.
Team statistics: Perugia's superiority in attack
| Statistic | Perugia | Monza |
|---|---|---|
| Blocks | 7 | 9 |
| Attack efficiency | 49% | 40% |
| Attack points | 42 | 33 |
| Positive reception | 45% | 40% |
| Aces | 4 | 3 |
| Service errors | 14 | 14 |
| Points from opponent's errors | 21 | 17 |
The numbers clearly show where Perugia won the match – primarily in attack. Although Monza finished with more blocks, the hosts were significantly more efficient in attack and scored more direct points from this element. The difference in positive reception was also in favor of Perugia, which allowed the team to play more calmly and variedly in attack.
For Monza, the season in the title fight has ended, but the team will continue its participation in the playoff for fifth place.
photos: legavolley.it
