Redazione Volleyball.it
SUPERLEGA – SCUDETTO SEMI-FINALS
Verona takes Game 1 vs Civitanova: 3–0 and an early statement
VERONA – Rana Verona opened the Scudetto semi-final series by sweeping Cucine Lube Civitanova 3–0 (34–32, 25–21, 25–21). The match turned on the first set: Civitanova led by five, but Verona clawed back and closed the marathon on extra points, with Keita’s serving decisive in the final stretch. From there, Soli’s team controlled the match through aggressive serving and efficient side-out play.
Verona finished with 9 aces and 62% in attack, driven by Keita (15 points), Darlan (13) and Mozic (11). Lube paid a heavy price at the line—20 service errors, only 3 aces—and leaned heavily on Nikolov (20), who ended as top scorer of the match.
Numbers that explain the match
The set-by-set stats reinforced Verona’s edge in the key phases: high-volume pressure from the line (despite service errors), a consistent attack rhythm (over 70% efficiency for Verona in the second and third sets in one of the statistical breakdowns), and better control in the moments that mattered most. Civitanova’s block production was there on paper, but it didn’t translate into momentum after the first-set miss.
Voices from the Lube camp: “We have to reset”
Lube libero Fabio Balaso pointed straight to the opening set: the missed opportunity, the breaks Verona produced in serve, and the sense that the match swung there. His message was pragmatic—there is frustration, but the series demands an immediate reset.
Coach Gian Paolo Medei echoed the same concept: the first set was “the chance” that got away, and Civitanova must bring clarity and execution back into the next match. Even after a 0–3, the semi-final remains open—provided Lube can rediscover its weapons.
Semi-finals officially underway
Volleyball.it also framed the launch of the Scudetto semi-finals as a broader event: Verona–Civitanova on April 5, with Perugia–Piacenza scheduled the following day (April 6) at 17:30, plus the league’s “After Hours” format to follow the opening weekend.
OTHER MEN’S COMPETITIONS – ITALY
A3 promotion play-off: Game 3 preview
Ahead of Game 3, Volleyball.it highlighted the 1–1 balance between Reggio Emilia and Reggio Calabria, presenting the decider as a key hinge moment of the series. Individual milestones were also in focus (career blocks and season-point targets approaching round numbers).
SuperLega – Playoff 5th place: early results and next fixture
In the 5th-place bracket, Milano beat Cisterna 3–0, while Monza also won 3–0 against Padova. The calendar spotlight shifted to Modena–Cuneo (Game 2) set for Monday, April 6 at 19:00, in a best-of-three series format.
Market/bench news
Volleyball.it reported that Rinascita Volley Lagonegro confirmed head coach Waldo Kantor for 2026/27, underlining continuity and the results achieved across recent seasons.
INTERNATIONAL
USA: Jordan Larson announces retirement
One of the day’s most emotional international stories came from the United States: Jordan Larson announced her retirement after Nebraska’s elimination in League One Volleyball. Larson scored 21 points in her final match (but Nebraska lost in five), and the night became a celebration—jersey retirement included—marking the end of a playing career that defined an era. Larson is expected to remain involved off the court.
APRIL 6 – WHAT VOLLEYBALL.IT PREVIEWED
SuperLega semi-final: Perugia–Piacenza (Game 1)
PERUGIA – On Easter Monday (Pasquetta), the spotlight moved to the other Scudetto semi-final: Sir Susa Vim Perugia vs Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza, Game 1 at 17:30 (live on Rai Sport). Volleyball.it framed it as a clash between the regular-season leaders and a Piacenza side returning to a familiar stage, with Perugia holding a strong historical edge in head-to-head numbers. Piacenza coach Dante Boninfante asked his team to play openly, without fear, and to stay focused on its own game.
A2 Tigotà women: promotion play-off semi-finals begin
In Serie A2 Tigotà, the promotion race resumed with semi-final openers scheduled for Monday:
Brescia–Costa Volpino (19:00)
Padova–Busto Arsizio (20:00)
Volleyball.it’s previews focused on form lines (Brescia’s smoother qualification route, Costa Volpino’s golden-set resilience) and on tactical keys, including Padova’s physical presence at the net and Busto’s renewed attacking balance following roster changes and the impact of Enneking.
