Two sets separate Belluno Volley from reaching the playoff semifinals. But there’s no point in speculating on the advantage built in the first leg, thanks to the 3-1 victory in Lombardy against Gabbiano FarmaMed Mantova. On Sunday, April 12th (6:00 PM), at the VHV Arena, a new chapter begins. Or rather, another story.
NOTHING CAN BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED – “During preparation for the match,” says coach Vincenzo Mastrangelo, “we tried to keep everything in order and stay focused.” No distractions, no thoughts about tomorrow. Only the present matters. Also because the performance on Easter Eve represents a solid foundation, but certainly not a guarantee: “We must continue to play at the level of volleyball we showed in Mantua, where we put in a good match. And without taking advancement for granted, because in the postseason, nothing can be taken for granted.”
HOFER ABSENT – Belluno Volley restarts with a number of key technical certainties and a well-defined identity. But they will have to deal with a notable absence: libero Nicolò Hoffer, sidelined by a calf injury. However, the coach isn’t worried about this void: “It’s an absence that will be filled appropriately, through various solutions tested this week. I have full confidence in whoever takes the court.”
SERVE ATTENTION – On the other side of the net, Gabbiano FarmaMed is ready to go all out, relying on three top-of-the-line attackers: Baldazzi, Baciocco, and Maiocchi. “Mantua was the best serving and blocking team in the league,” Mastrangelo continues. “As a result, they must be approached with great caution. We know that their serving can cause us problems: in the first leg, we managed to limit one of the Lombardy team’s strengths. Now we’re called upon to repeat that feat in the return match as well. And to best manage complicated situations with the wall deployed.”
