With nine aces from Mandiraci, Gas Sales take upper hand in decider against Modena

Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza secured the last remaining spot in the Italian men’s volleyball SuperLega Credem Banca semifinals and will challenge regular season winners Sir Susa Scai Perugia in a best-of-five series for a ticket to the final. In Sunday’s deciding match of their quarterfinal playoff against Valsa Group Modena, with the help of a fantastic nine serving aces from Turksih outside hitter Efe Mandiraci, Gas Sales achieved a four-set victory on the road and closed the series at 3-2 in wins.

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The squad from Piacenza disappointed the home crowd of nearly five thousand spectators at the Panini hall in Modena with a 3-1 (25-18, 21-25, 25-20, 25-20) win over the host team and took the upper hand in the series. 23-year-old Mandiraci nailed as many as nine aces  and spiked at a 59% success rate, including the match winner in the fourth set, to fuel Gas Sales to success with a match-high total of 22 points and claim a well-deserved Most Valuable Player (MVP) nomination. His Cuban cross-court teammate Jose Gutierrez registered a 67% success rate in attack, three kill blocks and two aces to finish with 17 points. His compatriot, middle blocker Robertlandy Simon, also reached the double digits with 10 points, including four stuffs.

Three players reached the double digits on Modena’s side as well – outside Luca Porro and Austrian opposite Paul Buchegger with 14 points, including two aces and a block, each, and Belarusian outside Uladzislau Davysliba with 11 points, including two direct serving points.

“Earning back-to-back wins here in Modena wasn't easy, but we managed it thanks to a very strong performance from everyone,” said Gas Sales’ head coach Dante Boninfante. “The serving and the high-ball attack were the deciding factors. The boys played a fantastic match here. The whole series was a great opportunity for our volleyball, with balanced, fair, and truly exciting matches.”

The first leg of the best-of-five semifinal playoffs will be played on Sunday and Monday, April 5 and 6.

SuperLega Credem Banca 2025-2026 semifinal playoffs, 1st leg:
Apr 05, 18:00 local (16:00 UTC): Rana Verona v Cucine Lube Civitanova
Apr 06, 17:30 local (15:30 UTC): Sir Susa Scai Perugia v Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza

SuperLega Credem Banca 2025-2026 schedule and results

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