Scudetto Final: Lube seeks comeback against Trento after defeat in Game 1

AAA another comeback wanted. Game 1 of the Scudetto final ended badly and, just as happened in the quarterfinals and semifinals, Lube will have to resort to its renowned team DNA that never dies and always rises again. Given that Trento was indicated by everyone as a candidate for the final act while Civitanova is a surprise, coach Medei has until Thursday to study the moves to limit the devastating Michieletto (bad Lavia, fair the former Garcia) and find the solutions to break down the Dolomite wall. On Sunday the red and whites scored 20, 23 and 21 points, but Itas was always ahead and played in a lucid and patient way, with the numbers that confirm the yellow and blue superiority: better at blocking, attack, reception and above all in the counterattack (36 points to 21 and 44% against 24%). However, game 1 against Perugia also ended 3-0 and then we know how the series changed. In fact, the director Santiago Orduna, expert vice Boninfante used in every set by Medei on Sunday, appears calm as well as confident in view of game 2 at the Eurosuole Forum. Approaching 42 years of age, the Argentine is playing his first Scudetto final and in Trento he reached a special milestone, that of 500 appearances in Italy.

Orduna clear defeat in game 1?

"They were superior, but I'm convinced that in game 2 it will be different and we will have the opportunity to prepare the right measures. We mustn't forget that on Thursday night we were on the pitch in Perugia".

A lucid and patient Itas, often replaying in order to have more comfortable balls…

"I had Soli as a coach for three years and I know he has this habit of replaying the ball on the wall to build a better attack. In one action in the third set Michieletto had three balls in a row and only the last one he really attacked."

For you, it's your 500th appearance: how does it feel?

"I didn't think about it much on Sunday but now it hits me. It's a career award, for the consistency I've had in Italy where I've been playing since 2008, so much so that I've obtained citizenship."

She is playing her first final, she is missing the Scudetto from her list of honours…

"Who would have said it at this age, I thought the train had passed. I want to enjoy this final but for me enjoying it means winning."

So, to win race 2, what must change, always hoping that Michieletto doesn't repeat a monstrous performance?

"Michieletto is a phenomenon but in volleyball you don't win alone and we can somehow limit him. We did it in the semifinal with Plotnytskyi. However, we will have to play with more continuity and make fewer mistakes".

Once again Lube called to a comeback…

"This team has the mentality to bounce back."

Andrea Scoppa