Vero Volley Milano achieved an impressive 3:2 (24:26, 13:25, 25:15, 25:16, 15:6) victory over Savino Del Bene Scandicci in the second semifinal of the Italian playoffs and now leads the series 2-0.
The match underwent a sharp tactical and emotional turnaround. After being two sets down, Stefano Lavarini's team demonstrated serious mental resilience and completely broke their opponent in the next three sets. From the middle of the third set, Milano imposed total control, significantly improving their block and defense game.
Kurtagic with a key role in the middle
Among the key figures for the success was Serbian central blocker Hena Kurtagic – the new girlfriend of Bulgarian national player Aleksandar Nikolov.
She finished the match with 10 points, scoring 6 points in attack with an excellent 67% efficiency, and her most significant contribution came from blocking – 4 direct points. Kurtagic was extremely important in the block-defense phase, where, together with Danesi, she stabilized Milano's play and limited Scandicci's attack in crucial moments.
Her presence at the net after the second set proved to be one of the key factors for the complete turnaround.
Egonu led Milano to victory
Paola Egonu once again showed her class, albeit after a more hesitant start. As the match progressed, she increased her efficiency and was unstoppable in decisive moments, especially in the tie-break. Her attacks along the line and diagonal ultimately broke Scandicci's resistance.
Strong contributions also came from Elena Pietrini, who brought freshness and stability in reception and attack, as well as libero Fersino with a series of important saves in defense.
Scandicci collapsed after a strong start
The guests started very convincingly and won the first two sets, but the physical and game slump thereafter proved decisive. Their attack lost effectiveness, and the team failed to adapt to Milano's better organization in block-defense.
A Look at the Series
The third match is on March 25 in Florence. Milano is just one victory away from the final, and the resilience and squad depth shown give Stefano Lavarini's team a serious advantage in the battle for the title.
