The third game of the Italian men’s SuperLega Credem Banca championship playoff is set to be played on Sunday. With the score in the best-of-five series level at 1-1, either Itas Trentino Trento or Cucine Lube Civitanova will edge ahead of the other in the race for the national crown. Saturday’s SuperLega program will offer the second leg of the best-of-three third-place playoff and the semifinals of the fifth-place playoffs.
Superlega 2024/25
Trentino and Lube to go at it again on Sunday; another six teams in playoff battles on Saturday
Watch the Italian SuperLega live on VBTV
Published 02:15, 03 May 2025
“The first two challenges of the series were very different from each other. The two teams exploited their qualities to the maximum in front of their home fans. Now I expect even more extreme scenarios than those experienced in the previous matches. We will be even more subjected to the need to obtain the result in the face of an opponent, who will do everything to prevent us. This will be the challenge on the court and it will be up to us to accept it with serenity, determination and with the sole intent of always expressing the best of ourselves. The profound respect for our opponent requires equal consideration for our talent and our abilities.” Fabio Soli, head coach of Itas Trentino Trento
“I expect a complicated challenge, like the first two. The finals are as beautiful as they are difficult. We must not think too much, but show up in Trento calmly and then sweat for every ball and put the best volleyball possible on the court. At home the serving gave us a big hand against Itas, but we must be focused in every aspect and work well in all the fundamentals to be able to fight and win with the block, the attack and the defense.” Giovanni Gargiulo, middle blocker of Cucine Lube Civitanova
“In game two, we will certainly have to express ourselves better to try to put our opponents in greater difficulty. I have to improve, especially in serving. I have to show up calmer at the nine-meter line to help the team. Both for us and for Perugia, it is a difficult moment after the setbacks in the semifinals.” Robertlandy Simon, middle blocker of Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza
“We need to take another ‘little step’. We know we are facing a team with very specific characteristics, a team with great potential in serving, and we understand that we must maintain good reception. I expect another complicated, difficult match, because the Champions League is a goal for everyone. It's an important goal. So we will have to avoid lapses in concentration, because whether we are ahead or behind, it will remain a very difficult, tense match, as it should be.” Massimo Colaci, libero of Sir Susa Vim Perugia
