Novara Stunned Conegliano, Milano Advanced to Italian Finals

The domestic league playoffs across Europe delivered thrilling matches this weekend, with stunning upsets and decisive victories. In Italy, Conegliano's remarkable 50-match winning streak came to an end at the hands of Novara, while Milano secured their spot in the Serie A1 finals after a dramatic five-set battle against Scandicci. Meanwhile, the semifinalists in both Poland and Germany were confirmed, setting the stage for exciting matchups ahead.

Reigning Italian champions and CEV Champions League Volley semifinalists A. Carraro Imoco Volley Conegliano entered their second Serie A1 semifinal match against CEV Cup finalists Novara as clear favorites, having dominated the first encounter. However, Novara had different plans and delivered a superior all-around performance, securing a surprising 3-0 victory (25-19, 25-20, 25-23) to level the series.

Russian outside hitter Tatiana Tolok led the way for Novara with a 26-point MVP performance, including three aces and two blocks. Mayu Ishikawa and Lina Alsmeier also contributed significantly, scoring 12 points each. On the Conegliano side, Isabelle Haak fought hard with 20 points, but her efforts weren’t enough to prevent the defeat. With this result, Novara forced a decisive third match, keeping their finals hopes alive. Due to this shocking defeat, Conegliano’s 50-match consecutive winning streak has also been cut off.

The other semifinal featured an all-CEV Champions League Volley showdown between Numia Vero Volley Milano and Savino Del Bene Scandicci. Milano, who had claimed a 3-0 victory in the first match, started off strong once again, taking a 2-0 lead. However, Scandicci refused to back down, leveling the match at 2-2 after four sets. In a nerve-wracking tie-break, Milano kept their composure and closed the match 3-2 (25-23, 25-23, 23-25, 20-25, 15-13) to advance to the finals.

Italian star Paola Egonu once again proved instrumental, scoring 23 points, while Nika Daalderop and Hena Kurtagic (7 blocks) added 17 apiece. Scandicci’s Ekaterina Antropova delivered an outstanding individual performance with 38 points, including eight aces, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide. With this win, Milano booked their ticket to the Italian finals, awaiting the winner of the Conegliano-Novara decider.

In Poland and Germany, all semifinalists became clear: The last spot in the Polish Tauron League semifinals went to LKS Commercecon Lodz since they overpowered Mielec by a comfortable 3-0 victory (3-0: 27-25, 25-14, 25-16). Meanwhile, in Germany’s 1. Bundesliga quarterfinals, all first-match winners confirmed their places in the semifinals by winning their second games. SSC Palmberg Schwerin, Allianz MTV Stuttgart, Dresdner SC, and Suhl will now continue to battle for the national championship.

With Milano securing their final spot in Italy and Novara forcing a deciding match against Conegliano, the Italian Serie A1 remains wide open. In Poland and Germany, the semifinal matchups are now set, promising even more intense volleyball action. As the domestic leagues reach their climactic stages, the top European clubs continue their quest for national and continental glory.