Exciting Playoff Stage About To Start In Italian SuperLega

The regular season came to an end in the Italian SuperLega the previous weekend, and now the teams who completed the first phase at the top eight will take the court for their first quarterfinal clashes. Including the #CLVolleyM semifinalists Trentino and Lube, each of the eight squads will want to get closer to the trophy with a good start to this stage.

The reigning titleholder and one of the CEV Champions League Volley semifinalists, Itas Trentino, is the clear pre-favorite against their quarterfinal opponent, Valsa Group Modena. Trentino finished the regular season at the top position with only three defeats, two of which came in the last two matches. Modena had an 11-11 win/loss record, putting them in eighth place. On the other hand, Modena became the only team that defeated Trentino in the first half by a score of 3-1. Therefore, Trentino still needs to be careful not to let any surprises happen.

The other Italian #CLVolleyM semifinalist and the silver medalist of the previous national league, Cucine Lube Civitanova, will also begin the playoff stage as the team most likely to advance to the semifinals. However, this might be the most challenging match-up since they will face Mint Vero Volley Monza. These two teams completed the first phase one after another, and the difference between them was only two points. In their head-to-head matches this season, Monza has the lead with 2-1. Therefore, taking the advantage in the first leg will mean a lot for each squad to maintain the mental advantage.

One of the squads that have been doing the perfect job from the beginning of the season, Sir Susa Vim Perugia, also holds their first quarterfinal game today. By finishing the first part in the second place, right after Trentino, they will play as opposed to Rana Verona. Perugia was successful in the first game and took a straight-set victory. On the other hand, Verona left the court with a win in the second one by a thrilling five-setter. Thus, Perugia needs to stay strong from the first ball to the last, or Verona's high resistance might make them reach the top four.

The situation was not different in the fourth quarterfinal match-up as well, which was between Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza (3rd) and Allianz Milano (6th). These squads came across each other three times before this season: Piacenza won both of the national league battles, but Milano was the one who booked their ticket to the national cup semifinals after an immense tie-break. Thus, both teams will seek to keep their dream alive.

All four clashes will start at 20.30 (CET), and the strongest eight Italian squads will begin to push their limits in their first quarterfinal matches. Do not forget to keep an eye on what the top four of the regular season will bring, and especially watch out for the #CLVolleyM semifinalists Trentino and Lube.