Superlega 2022

Perugia return to SuperLega as newly crowned world champs

Silver medallists Trentino are still the most decorated team at the Club World Championships

Published 07:55, 13 Dec 2022

Newly crowned club world champions Sir Safety Susa Perugia will have little time to rest after their triumph in Betim. The same is true for runners-up Trentino Itas as both Italian teams’ busy match schedule will resume shortly after their homecoming from the Men's Club World Champs. In their next SuperLega Credem Banca games on Sunday, December 18, at 15:30 local time (14:30 UTC), Perugia will play at Vero Volley Monza while Trentino visit Emma Villas Aubay Siena.

· Watch all SuperLega matches live or on demand on Volleyball TV.

Even at the highest level - the Club World Championship - Perugia's stellar squad managed to continue their winning streak without interruption. In Brazil, they won all four of their matches, dropping only two sets along the way to the historic success, one against defending world champions and tournament hosts Sada Cruzeiro Volei, and one in the final against Trentino.

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The Block Devils have not been defeated in any official competition this season. Their most recent loss came in last season’s SuperLega final against Cucine Lube Civitanova back in May. Perugia lead the current SuperLega standings on an 11-0 win-loss record and 33 points. Earlier, they claimed their first trophy of the season, the Supercoppa Italiana, after two victories. They also won their first three matches in the CEV Champions League and lead their pool in Europe’s top club competition. Perugia’s winning streak now spans over 20 consecutive games and they hope it will continue for some time.

Perugia’s playmaker Simone Giannelli was named the Most Valuable Player of the Club World Championship on Sunday. That award came exactly three months after he received the MVP at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2022, arguably making him the top player in international volleyball.

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As many as three Betim 2022 Dream Teamers are expected to be on the court at the Arena di Monza on Sunday. In addition to Giannelli, who also claimed the Best Setter award, his teammates, Club World Championship Best Outside Hitter Wilfredo Leon and Best Middle Blocker Flavio Gualberto will try to keep Perugia unbeaten as they take on Vero Volley. But everyone defending the Sir Safety Susa colours on the court in Monza will be a crowned club champion of the world.

“What I like about this group is that each player makes his contribution. Practically everyone contributed at the tournament,” Perugia’s head coach Andrea Anastasi said. “I'm happy we got off to a good start this season, but the road is still long and I don't want to get too distracted.”

“It's always nice to win, we are enjoying this medal, but there is still a lot to try to win this year…” Roberto Russo, middle blocker of Sir Safety Susa Perugia

After winning the first set of the Club World Championship final, Trentino were just two away from their sixth title, but instead they added their first silver to their medal collection from the premier club competition, and it was an upgrade from last year’s bronze. The club from Trento are still the most decorated participants in the history of the Club World Championships as their showcase now boasts five gold, one silver and three bronze medals. It was also the team’s second podium of the season, after the Supercoppa bronze they claimed last month.

At the match in Siena on Sunday, the viewers will also be able to enjoy the performance of three Club World Championship 2022 Dream Teamers – Best Outside Hitter Alessandro Michieletto, who was also the best scorer and the best server of the tournament, Best Opposite Matey Kaziyski, who was the second best scorer, the second best attacker and the second best server, and Best Middle Blocker Marko Podrascanin, who shared the top of the best blockers’ ranking with another two players. Among their teammates on Trentino’s side will also be libero Gabriele Laurenzano, the top digger of the Club World Championship.

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While Trentino were away in Brazil, a couple of other teams won their SuperLega matches to overtake the Yellow-and-Blues in the current standings. As the second half of the regular season begins this weekend, Trentino will resume their campaign from fifth place, which they occupy on a 6-5 win-loss record and 19 points, just below third-placed WithU Verona and fourth-placed Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza, who also have 19 points each.

"We played a high-level tournament, with four games played in four days, and we have once again shown that we can play at a high level this season, but we lack some consistency. Still, we must be proud of what we have done – a step forward compared to the recent past." Marko Podrascanin, middle blocker of Trentino Itas