For Smartsystem Fano it’s time for the final four of the Italian Cup.

After the amazing performance in the derby against Macerata, the Virtussini will face another crucial event of the season: the final phase of the Italian Cup.

On Saturday 2 March (5.00 pm Palas Allende) the Fano players will play the first semi-final against Gabbiano Mantova, the undisputed leader in the championship of the white group with their 52 points, the result of 18 victories and only 3 defeats (the last in midweek 0-3 at home against Motta di Livenza).

This is a straight match, from inside or outside, which the Marche players will play after the excellent performance in the championship against Macerata even if the Gabbiano, which makes the compactness of the group its best weapon, does not appear among the easiest opponents to face.

The Lombards, now heading towards the final promotion for the A2 series, will be able to field their typical sextet with the recoveries of the spiker Parolari and the opposite number Novello, ex Belluno, already faced by Fano last season in the white group. Completing the sextet will be the other spiker Yordanov (Bulgarian like Dimitrov), the setter Martinelli, the central defenders Miselli and Ferrari (formerly Portomaggiore) and the libero Catellani.

Characteristic of the group coached by the talented Serafini is the amalgam and unity, considering the fact that a good part of the roster comes from Serie B.

Smartsystem also arrives at this event in top form: the three victories in the championship against three of the top six teams in the standings have galvanized the Fano environment. The team coached by Vincenzo Mastrangelo will also have the public on its side who could ultimately turn out to be the seventh man on the pitch.

The winner of Mantua-Fano will then play the final again at Palas Allende on Sunday 3 March at 6pm.