The presence in the European cups is safe, the red and white honor too. Cucine Lube Civitanova closes the SuperLega with a triumph in the 5th Place Play Offs. The victory in four sets (25-23, 18-25, 24-26, 22-25) at the Pala Agsm AIM against the hosts Rana Verona comes as a comeback and qualifies the former Italian vice-champions for the 2025 edition of the Challenge Cup, an event faced by the Cucineri only once in history, in 2010/11, complete with a ride and a Cup on the board thanks to the success in the Final against the Turkish Club of Izmir. Play Off 5th Heroic place for Romano Giannini, at the helm of the team halfway through the round robin and capable of putting his signature to an exciting season finale, but obviously the great work of Chicco Blengini during his stay should not be forgotten.
Tear-breaking conclusion with the MVP and top scorer (24 points with 6 aces) Marlon Yant who injured his leg in the fourth set, but remained on the court offering sensational plays until the ace of victory against an untamed rival.
The victory of the red and whites came on the day of the farewells of many champions who wrote indelible pages in the history of Giulianelli’s club: those of captain De Cecco, Anzani, Yant and Ivan Zaytsev (who played his 500th match in Italy)
21 points for a very generous Lagumdzija. Also in double figures were Bottolo (13), on the pitch with a bandaged thigh, and Chinenyeze (10), led by a great De Cecco. Match number 500 in Volleyball League competitions for Zaytsev, on the pitch for just a few minutes, but always charismatic. Cunieri’s 9 aces, 13 blocks (5 by Anzani) and a more constant attack were decisive. Among the Scala players three athletes in double figures: Keita (19), Amin (18) and Dzavoronok (12).
Rana Verona – Cucine Lube Civitanova 1-3 (25-23, 18-25, 24-26, 22-25)
Rana Verona: Spirito 2, Dzavoronok 12, Grozdanov 3, Esmaeilnezhad 18, Keita 19, Cortesia 9, Mozic (L), Zingel 0, D’Amico (L), Sani 0, Mosca 1. NE Jovovic, Bonisoli, Zanotti. All. Stoytchev.
Cucine Lube Civitanova: De Cecco 3, Yant Herrera 24, Anzani 9, Lagumdzija 21, Bottolo 13, Chinenyeze 10, Thelle 1, Motzo 0, Balaso (L), Zaytsev 0. NE Bisotto, Larizza.
REFEREES: Simbari and Carcione.
