Redazione Volleyball.it
Campionati (Domestic Competitions)
A1 Women – Playoffs approaching decisive stage
The Serie A1 Tigotà quarterfinals move toward Game 2, with the top four seeds (Conegliano, Novara, Scandicci and Milano) aiming to close their series and secure semifinal spots. However, Busto Arsizio, Chieri, Bergamo and Vallefoglia are preparing to respond and force decisive Game 3s.
Particular attention is on:
The Piedmont derby between Chieri and Novara
Conegliano’s away match in Busto Arsizio
Milano travelling to Vallefoglia
Bergamo hosting Scandicci after a tight Game 1 tie-break
Statistically, in the last five playoff editions only one series reached Game 3 each season.
A2 Women – Promotion Pool
The seventh round of the A2 Tigotà Promotion Pool is scheduled for 4 March. Brescia leads the standings with 32 points, followed closely by Talmassons with 31.
Key matches include:
Brescia vs Itas Trentino
Brescia aims to protect its lead. Opposite Uliana Kavalenka stressed the importance of focus and home support, while coach Beltrami described the challenge as “almost prohibitive” but motivating.
Talmassons vs Narconon Volley Melendugno
Talmassons must avoid any slip-ups to remain in contention for direct promotion.
SMI Roma vs Altafratte Padova
With minimal points separating several teams, the psychological approach could be decisive.
The Promotion Pool winner earns direct access to Serie A1.
Coppe & Internazionale (European Competitions)
CEV Champions League – Round of 16
PGE Projekt Warszawa vs Trentino Itas
Trentino begins its Champions League knockout phase in Warsaw. Coach Marcelo Méndez acknowledged that his team may have drawn one of the strongest possible opponents but emphasized that major titles require defeating top-level teams.
Trento finished second in its pool and boasts an impressive European record (150 wins in 190 matches). Alessandro Michieletto remains sidelined through injury, while the rest of the squad is available.
The tie will be decided over two legs, with a Golden Set played if necessary.
CEV Cup – Quarterfinals
Berlin Recycling Volleys vs Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza
Piacenza resumes European action after finishing fifth in Superlega. Berlin dropped into the CEV Cup after placing third in its Champions League group and currently leads the German Bundesliga.
Assistant coach Antonio Mariano highlighted the need for concentration, aggressive serving and preventing Berlin from dictating tempo.
Berlin has 15 national titles and multiple domestic trophies, including a previous CEV Cup victory.
CEV Challenge Cup – Semifinals
Allianz Milano vs Altekma SK Izmir
Milano hosts the first leg of the semifinal against Turkish side Altekma Izmir. Outside hitter Francesco Recine stated that the team never underestimated its opponents and views winning the Challenge Cup as a clear objective.
He also described the Allianz Cloud as a “fortress,” especially with upcoming playoff matches scheduled there.
Izmir advanced after a Golden Set victory over SCM Zalău and features former Italian league players Jordan Ewert and Ibrahim Lawani.
Superlega – Perugia after Supercoppa triumph
Following the capture of their seventh Del Monte Supercoppa, Sir Susa Vim Perugia turns its focus to the Scudetto playoffs, starting 7 March against Vero Volley Monza.
The Supercoppa victory was described as historic:
Massimo Colaci now holds a record nine Supercoppa titles.
Young middle blocker Federico Crosato scored 11 points in the final.
Outside hitter Donovan Dzavoronok celebrated his first Supercoppa after returning from knee surgery.
Coach Angelo Lorenzetti reached six Supercoppa titles, surpassing Daniele Bagnoli.
President Gino Sirci emphasized patience and strong block-defence as key factors.
Estero (Foreign News)
Czech Republic – Lvi Praha retain Czech Cup
Lvi Praha successfully defended the Czech Cup with a 3-1 victory over Karlovarsko. It marks the club’s second title and follows last season’s triumph, confirming its domestic strength.
Germany – Lüneburg win first German Cup
SVG Lüneburg claimed the first German Cup in its history after defeating VfB Friedrichshafen 3-2 in front of a sold-out SAP Arena crowd (12,508 spectators). The victory ended a run of four lost finals.
Poland – Five cities to host 2027 Men’s World Championship
Poland will host the 2027 FIVB Men’s World Championship across five cities: Gdańsk, Katowice, Łódź, Olsztyn and Kraków, with Kraków staging the semifinals and medal matches. It will be Poland’s third time hosting the event.
