Gas Sales and Modena cross swords on Saturday to get second quarterfinal leg underway

“We saw that we're very close to Modena. We certainly need to make better use of certain game situations at crucial moments. We're facing a strong opponent with a very dangerous serve, but we're confident that on Saturday our fans will be able to give us the push that perhaps we lacked towards the end of game one. Saturday's match is the second episode of what I think will be a long one.” Dante Boninfante, head coach of Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza

“Last Sunday's match told us it would be a very long and challenging series. The two teams are similar in strength, so we'll have to do something extra on the road in what I expect to be a very intense match. The boys are feeling well and are focused on game two. Their morale is high, as is the quality of their daily work. We entered these playoffs in the best possible shape, but that's not enough, and we'll need to give our all every day to remain competitive.” Alberto Giuliani, head coach of Valsa Group Modena

“We're confident we have what it takes to do well. We returned to Monza from game one disappointed with how the match went from the second half of the second set. We want to play Sunday's match to the best of our ability to try to even the series. We're capable of playing great matches, and we've proven that on other occasions this year. We'll need to take to the court with confidence and the right mindset to face our opponents. Our fans will also play an important role. The Opiquad Arena's support will be crucial; it's our plus point in home games. The entire team hopes to see a packed house.” Thomas Beretta, middle blocker of Vero Volley Monza

“I think we did a good job preparing for this match. Before game one, we didn't know what kind of a lineup they would bring; but now we know these things, especially how they play, so we're more or less ready to approach game two in the best possible way. We'll do our best to secure the win and go up 2-0 in the series. I think if we do a little better on the counterattack, especially by maintaining a positive attitude in serving and receiving, we could have a little more freedom and breathing room on the court. As always, we're taking it step by step, but this is the goal: to win three games as quickly as possible.” Oleh Plotnytskyi, outside hitter of Sir Susa Vim Perugia

“Winning the first match against Itas was a real boost. It gave us a lot of energy to conquer a stronghold like the BTS Arena, a venue where I had only won once before. We played as a team, following coach Giampaolo Medei's instructions. I'm confident that Lube will also play great volleyball at home, and on our end of the court, we'll do everything it takes to take a 2-0 lead in the series. Our fans will be a key contributor. Seeing the Eurosuole Forum cheering at the big matches is thrilling.” Aleksandar Nikolov, outside hitter of Cucine Lube Civitanova

“Game one was a particularly hard-fought match, and we're even more disappointed to have lost it in front of our home crowd. Often, you play well and still lose: we have to accept that and look forward to our next matches with confidence. Going 1-0 down in the series forces us to immediately raise our level, to try and win in Civitanova Marche to level the score. Injuries are part of the game, but this year there have been a few too many of them.” Theo Faure, opposite of Itas Trentino Trento

“In Milan, we are used to leaving nothing to chance. The goal is to take the match to at least a fourth game, and that means winning once between Sunday and Wednesday. The club and the boys are fully committed to our goals. Everyone in the team is very excited about our Challenge Cup victory and we want to return to the Allianz Cloud not only on Sunday, but to play one more game against Verona as well.” Fabio Lini, general and sporting director of Allianz Milan

“I certainly expect something different at their home venue, and I expect Cachopa (setter Fernando Kreling) to be on the court for the entire match, thus ensuring a higher level of volleyball. However, we need to focus on what happens on our side of the court. We should expect a tougher and more complicated match than the first one, but it's within our capabilities. We need to attack from the first ball, playing the best volleyball possible, in order to win. We have now recovered from some physical ailments that have limited us a bit in recent weeks, but we need to push hard to arrive in Milan with the right mindset.” Fabio Soli, head coach of Rana Verona