CEV Cup: Piacenza Triumphs Over Ljubljana in Five-Set Thriller

Gas Sales Bluenergy Volley Piacenza secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory against ACH Volley Ljubljana (30-28, 25-20, 27-29, 20-25, 15-4) in a CEV Cup match filled with dramatic twists. The Biancorossi showcased immense tenacity, recovering from significant deficits and ultimately dominating the final tie-break.

The match began challenging for Piacenza, who quickly found themselves trailing in the first set. The Slovenian side built a five-point lead and held four set points. With incredible determination, Piacenza managed to nullify seven of Ljubljana's set points before ultimately securing the set 30-28, thanks to a decisive ace from Bovolenta. This remarkable comeback set the tone for a more comfortable second set, which Piacenza won 25-20.

The third set saw a renewed balance of power. Piacenza saved another four set points but eventually had to concede the set 27-29. Ljubljana then exerted their dominance in the fourth set, winning 20-25 and forcing the match into a decisive tie-break.

In the final set, Piacenza unleashed its full potential, giving their opponents no quarter. An impressive sequence of ten consecutive serves from Mandiraci, including three aces, virtually overwhelmed Ljubljana, leading the Biancorossi to a crushing 15-4 victory in the tie-break.

Key performers of the evening included Mandiraci, who delivered 23 points and proved pivotal with his serves in the tie-break, Bovolenta with 21 points and the crucial first-set-winning ace, and solid contributions from Gutierrez and Simon, both adding 17 points.

Coach Dante Boninfante's starting lineup for Piacenza featured Porro and Bovolenta in diagonal, Comparoni and Simon at center, Mandiraci and Gutierrez on the wings, with Loreti as libero. For ACH Volley Ljubljana, the team took the court with Ropret and Stern, Pasjenk and Krzic Janz, Marovt and Urnaut, and Kovacic as libero.

Coach Dante Boninfante's Comments

“We knew we were in for a tough fight. We faced an excellent team that, while perhaps playing a different style than Italian teams, is very effective. I am extremely proud of how the guys approached the match, especially after Sunday's defeat. In these past few days, we focused solely on recovering our energy; we didn’t even train. The tie-break was magnificent. Now, we will build on this victory, and we'll only start thinking about the return leg after our match against Modena, which I anticipate will also be very long and balanced.”

Match Report

GAS SALES BLUENERGY VOLLEY PIACENZA – ACH VOLLEY LJUBLJANA 3-2 (30-28, 25-20, 27-29, 20-25, 15-4)

GAS SALES BLUENERGY VOLLEY PIACENZA: Comparoni 5, Bovolenta 21, Gutierrez 17, Simon 17, Porro 1, Mandiraci 23, Loreti (L), Andringa, Leon 2, Travica, Pace, Bergmann, Iyegbekedo. Did not play: Galassi (L). Coach: Boninfante.

ACH VOLLEY LJUBLJANA: Urnaut 10, Krzic Janz 6, Stern 33, Marovt 15, Pajenk 11, Ropret 1, Kovacic (L), Sket, Sen. Did not play: Krzic Jost, Najdic, Prevorcnik, Verdinek (L). Coach: Kolakovic.

REFEREES: Magdalena Niewiarowska (Poland), Nuno Teixeira (Portugal).

Set Duration: 33’, 27’, 32’, 25’, 12’. Total Match Duration: 129’.

Spectators: 1870.