It was the match of one team in the V-day of the Italian Serie A1 played in Rome. Itas Diatec Trentino ended this magnificent season conquering the Italian Champion title.
Today the Palalottomatica sports hall in Rome is colored in yellow and blue because of the victory of Itas Diatec Trentino in the final match of the Italian Serie A1 against Bre Banca Lannutti Cuneo. After winning the FIVB Champions League and the FIVB Club World Championships, they took the Scudetto. For the second time in the history of the club.
Both Trento and Cuneo have played fascinating semifinals (Trento won over Modena 3:2, Cuneo beat Macerata 3:2), for which reason fans could expect comparable amount of emotions and involvement in the V-day. In fact it was a marvelous performance of the players from Trentino. They needed only 3 sets and 72 minutes to split their opponents. In the first set Cuneo was able to make 13 points, in the last – only 9. Disappointment? The biggest difference between both teams was the efficiency in attack: 64% Trento, 32% Cuneo. The absolute key for the victory was the Czech spiker, Jan Štokr, named by the Italian journalists a points making machine. He became the Top Scorer of the match (21 points) with 69% in the attack, 2 blocks and 1 ace. He deservedly was titled as the Most Valuable Player of the match. Good performance also for Matey Kaziyski (13 points and 60% in attack) and Andrea Sala (3 aces and 1 block), decisive in the 1st set. In Cuneo only 2 aces made by the team, 37%-efficiency in reception and 32% – in attack.
Raphael said: “For me the value of this victory is double, because last season I wasn’t able to play in the final match. So for me it was a goal and a dream to play in this V-day, to end this wonderful season with the Scudetto. There couldn’t be a better prize for the team, for the society, for the fans, for everyone that support us. I dedicate this victory to my wife and my incoming child.”
