Victory wards off the crisis for Smartsystem Essence Hotels Fano which makes the survival clash with Reggio Emilia its own and overtakes Porto Viro in the standings, its next opponent at the Palas Allende on Sunday 9 February: “Two fundamental points – states Federico Compagnoni – because we were coming from a difficult moment. A bit of relief, now we have to continue like this.”

Ups and downs but great heart for the Virtussini who managed to win a match that almost saw Conad smiling: “The group’s desire to win was fundamental – continues the former Castellana – we rediscovered the strength and energy that we they allowed us to go to the fifth set, now we must calmly resume the path interrupted at the end of December”. Compagnoni then analyzes the technical aspect: “Good blocking and serving, we can do better in defense and attack, as well as being more cynical and balanced.”

Great former player Pier Paolo Partenio who remembers last year’s triumphant season: “Every now and then I dream about it even at night – says the Emilian director – especially the last point on the block which gave us promotion”. Mattia Raffa’s face shows fatigue but great satisfaction, another important step towards the goal of salvation: “We knew it would be a tough match and so it was – says Raffa – but we showed that we are alive and that we want to fight to maintain the category”.