Italian Cup: Perugia defeat Piacenza to become first Finalist!

2 min read

5 March 2022 Ivan

Sir Safety Perugia is first finalist of 2021/22 Del Monte Coppa Italia, but this isn’t a one-sided match as the rivals of Gas Sales Piacenza actually fall only in decisive fourth set (25:22, 23:25, 25:23, 25:18).

In first set Piacenza starts in a perfect way, with a 0-4 lead (one ace from Brizard and 2 with the sign of Rossard. And they keep the advantage until 7-10. However, Rychlicki’s serve turn level the score 14-14. Perugia is better also in defense and, on 18-16, coach Bernardi react, calling in action his bench: Stern take the place of Lagumdzija, a winning move that is worth an important break: from 21-19 to 22-22. However Leon signs the ace of 25-22.

Second set, and is in the starting six again. On 7-5 on the field also Recine in place of Russell and Holt in place of Caneschi. Despite Stern struggles in attack (2/7), Rossard is super in attack (6 points only in this set, 5/8 in attack and 1 ace) and an error from Leon, who attacks out, is worth the 23-25.

Third set, with Mengozzi on the field in place of Ricci for Perugia. This is the most balanced and interesting set: a very good Recine, on the field of Piacenza, who take a led of 11-14. But the reply of Perugia come from with Anderson (8
points in this set) and Leon (6), and this is 22-20. Mengozzi put down the +3 (24-21), and Leon close at second set ball.

Fourth set, and Perugia want to close the game despite a very good Piacenza: a block from Leon over Stern and an ace by Anderson on Rossard are worth the 10-7, in a lead that Perugia keep until Leon go to the service line. Ace and a block over Recine, 16-11.
A gret Perugia until the decisive 25-18, signed by an ace from Leon.

About Leon, he was the absolut top scorer of the match with 26 points, 3 aces, 2 winning blocks and an impressive 62% in attack, while Sole and Anderson also contributed with 4 winning blocks each (of Perugia’s 13).