Prosecco Doc Imoco Conegliano continue to reign supreme at the Supercoppa Fineco as the Panthers triumphed in the 29^th edition of the tournament, securing their eighth title in the event.

Conegliano’s eighth Supercoppa victory was probably the hardest one they ever got as the Italian champions had to come back twice to beat Numia Vero Volley Milano 3-2 (20-25, 25-16, 21-25, 25-23, 15-11) on Saturday at the Pallazo dello Sport, in Rome, which had an incredible sold-out crowd of 10,300 fans.

• Watch the 2024 Supercoppa Fineco replay on VBTV

The title earned on Saturday further solidifies Conegliano, who won their eight golds within nine years, as the most successful team in the Supercoppa – they now have two more victories than Bergamo.

It was also their eighth victory over Milano in a final over the last four years. Prior to celebrating the title in Rome, the Panthers also downed their opponents in two editions of the Lega Femminile (2021-2022, 2022-2023), another two of the Coppa Italia (2022-2023, 2023-2024) and one of each of the Supercoppa (2023), the European Champions League (2023-2024) and the Courmayeur Cup (2024).

“I thought that both teams played at about 50 or 60% of their potential today,” said Imoco’s head coach Daniele Santarelli. “Maybe we were a little bit better in the tie-breaker, but it was a matter of small details. It was enough for us to win today, but I’m not sure if it will be next time.”

Star opposite Isabelle Haak was Conegliano’s leading scorer in the match with 20 points (19 kills, one block). Olympic champion middle blocker Sarah Fahr played an excellent match, with 17 points (14 kills, two blocks, one ace), and was awarded as the MVP.

With 16 and ten points respectively, outside hitters Gabriela ‘Gabi’ Guimarães and Martyna Łukasic, who both joined Conegliano this season, also reached double digits in scoring.

Milano, who took silver in the Supercoppa for a second straight season, had a major last-minute absence as star opposite Paola Egonu had a fever and didn't get on the court. Outside hitter Héléna Cazaute filled her role and contributed 17 points, with 13 kills, two blocks and two aces.

Most of Milano’s production, however, came from the outside hitter spot, where Miriam Sylla led all scorers with 24 points (22 kills, two blocks) and Dutch Nika Daalderop added another 19, with 17 kills, one block and one ace.

“Today we played for a trophy, so the result is all that matters,” Milano’s head coach Stefano Lavarini reflected. “We weren’t as aggressive as we should have at the end of the fourth set and during the tie-breaker, but I’m proud of the team for the performance. I think they won the match because they had more courage in the decisive plays.”

Lega Femminile begins next week

With the Supercoppa, the teams that will compete in the 2024-2025 Lega Volley Femminile Serie A1 Tigotà finalized their preparations for the tournament, which starts next weekend, with six matches.

Defending champions Conegliano will debut at home, hosting Eurotek Uyba Busta Arsizio on Sunday, October 6, at 20:00 local time (18:00 GMT). On the same day, at 16:30 local time (14:30 GMT), Milano will play their first match, against Wash4Green Pinerolo, on the road.

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