The level is further raised, in addition to the pressure, the temperature and the stakes. Because tonight (Sunday 28 April, 7pm) the semi-final series of the Serie A3 Credem Banca playoffs opens. Opposite, the two teams that finished second in their respective regular season groups: the Smartsystem Fano and, of course, the Belluno Volleyball. The first act will be staged in the Marche region.
CHANGES AND SOLUTIONS – Gian Luca Colussi he gets straight to the point: «Let’s go to Fano to play it». Compared to Palmi, it promises to be a very different duel. From various points of view: «We are always the same, but what changes is the type of opponent, as well as the prospect of playing a hypothetical “good” away match. As for Smartsystem, it is an excellent team: in addition to developing a good volleyball, it has changes and solutions. In short, it is particularly equipped. But it is inevitable that this is the case in a playoff semi-final.”
CLENCH THE TEETH – To qualify, the rhinos will have to overturn the field factor: «It will be important to grit your teeth in moments of suffering, because there will be some, when faced with an opponent who plays great within friendly walls. We know, we will find a “very hot” arena: when the emotional drive drags the home team, it is our duty to remain united, compact and engaged in the match. As we did in Calabria, where the group showed courage. Because, 9 points down, the easiest thing is to fall. And instead, at 19-10, a comeback began that I have no hesitation in calling extraordinary.”
AWAY – Away from the Dolomites, Bisi and his teammates boast a streak of six consecutive successes: «Away from home or at the Spes Arena it doesn’t make that much difference. Certainly, in Belluno we have the extra push from the public, but even away from home our team confirmed that it has significant values.” The air is electric: «The kids experience the situation with enthusiasm, desire, awareness. And also with the necessary “garra” and the right light-heartedness.”
MARCHING – Colussi and the rest of the team march together: «Being a series with the best of three matches, and not seven as in the NBA, game 1 already counts a lot. It is not the decisive challenge, but it has particular importance. In this regard, starting with a good result would be super, even knowing that on Wednesday 1 May there will be confirmation or, alternatively, a second chance. In any case, let’s not think about it: we are focused on this commitment. And we intend to give our best.”
REFEREES AND MAXI SCREEN – Matteo Selmi of Modena and Dario Grossi of Rome will referee a match that can be followed in streaming on the Lega Volley YouTube channel. And also from the Giovanni XXIII Center in Belluno, where the big screen will be turned back on, as happened in game 2 of the quarter-finals.
Source: press release
