Only three days have passed since a convincing victory on the Brescia court, which gave Tinet the chance to play at the PalaPrata for the first of two match points that could take the yellow-blues to a place they’ve never been before: the promotion final, one step away from achieving promotion to the Superleague, the most beautiful and prestigious men’s volleyball league in the world.
Mario Di Pietro’s boys, however, know that to do so they must take nothing for granted and, indeed, must play an even more powerful volleyball, because Brescia will arrive at Via Volta eager for redemption and with the strength of those who can risk everything. The Lombardy roster, moreover, features established champions who know how to approach these matches well.
There’s excitement after the Passerotti’s impressive performance on Wednesday in Brescia, but, at the same time, there’s intense attention for a series that isn’t yet over. There’s satisfaction with the strong performance in Lombardy, but last year’s experience also serves as a warning, when Tinet found themselves falling short in Game 3 of the semifinals after leading 1-0.
On the competitive side, the beautiful plays the yellow-blues displayed at San Filippo are eye-catching. A defensive intensity reminiscent of the best times of the season, which Tinet brought to the table precisely at the most crucial moment. Individually, Alberini orchestrated his team to perfection. The top scorers were Terpin and Gamba with 18 and 17 points, but Captain Katalan also appeared in fine form with 13 points and a remarkable 6 blocks. Scopelliti was surgical, as was Ernastowicz, perhaps less flashy but tremendously effective with a trio of aces and plenty of quality on the second line.
There’s optimism in the air, but also a lot of respect for a team like Brescia, which boasts champions capable of turning the tide of a match at a moment’s notice. This includes the service line, as Cavuto demonstrated, and especially the season’s best server, Filippo Mancini. Not to mention top-tier players like Cominetti and Tondo, who was unstoppable at times. Plus, the safety of Totò Rossini in the second line.
