First match point Fortitudo. At 8.30pm Attilio Caja’s team, followed in Treviglio by over a hundred fans, has the wonderful opportunity to close the series at 3-0 by reaching the semi-final without having to go to any game four on Sunday or game five on Wednesday. The first two matches went smoothly, with Matteo Fantinelli and his teammates having no difficulty in overcoming the Bergamo players. Everything was easy in Sunday’s match, even simpler in Tuesday’s match between a ready, determined Fortitudo and a Treviglio who struggled to find the right rhythm.
“Time is short, only small details can be changed from one match to another – underlines Giorgio Valli, Treviglio’s coach –. However, from the two matches in Bologna we must have understood that we must raise the physical level of our defence. Today we play in home, in front of our fans: we must give them a test of heart, as well as legs and technical and tactical solidity.”
Treviglio is ready to do battle at PalaFacchetti, determined to try to extend the series.
“Fortitudo are favourites, they came second in the group, they are an excellent team, trained very well, but nothing is lost. We’re at 0-2, we can’t lose without a fight. We have to fight in front of our fans.”
Very clear words for the Bergamo players who will face a Fortitudo with sky-high morale, but which must manage some ailments in its key players, but which should present itself at full strength in this evening’s match. The fatigue of 2 matches in the space of 48 hours made itself felt in the legs of the players, with the training sessions continuing to be very intense under the orders of coach Caja and his staff.
So being able to close the series this evening could be fundamental to being able to recover physical and mental energy and to prepare in the best possible way for the semi-final series. This evening Treviglio’s desire for revenge and Fortitudo’s desire to close the accounts collide for a comparison that appears more balanced.
Race direction entrusted to Bartoli, Foti and Yang Yao. In the other match, third success for Rieti which, by prevailing against RImini, 64-77, has already reached the semi-final. And she could be Effe’s next opponent.
