Italy- Superlega 2018/2019

    Milano could have beaten Lube today. Lube won with stronger serves. In this edition of SuperLega, there’re so many occasions that a team has been leading by 3-4 points most of the time in a set but failed in closing it. That happened particularly often in matches when the three top teams (excluding Perugia since they’re simply in a different tier) battle the four major challengers (Milano, Verona, Padova and Monza), usually ending in the top teams claiming the sets with come-from-behind victories. In the end, a slight edge in the absolute strength provides the experience and confidence to make a difference.

    Quote from Spyro

    Modena is simply painful to watch :gone: I'm wondering what Velasco will say to the media this time :roll:

    The only good news is that Kaliberda shows improved performance recently, and Christenson is back to court.


    Obviously, Modena simply has structural problem in team formation. I think the root cause is Zaytsev's subpar performance this season. It sounds like his vertical reach has dropped a lot. If Zaytsev can perform as a top-class opposite, then the team can afford to start with Uranut and a healthy Kaliberda, both of whom are well-rounded and acceptable reception. Bednorz in the back row is such a black hole. Kevin Tillie can't even deliver decent statistics in the Chinese Domestic League in the offensive end, so I believe he's considered a back-row specialist for the OHs on this team.


    A fully functional machinery works perfectly for Trentino today. The most impressive category is the team blocking element.

    Modena is overusing Zaytsev. I really don't get why their second ball distribution is that bad especially when it's not the setter setting. Keemink is nervous and his tempo is all over the place but I don't think he's the root cause of Modena's problems. I feel like Rossini should step up more when they are playing way beyond their comfort zones to have more attacking options.


    For this, I have to say they are missing Ngapeth's feint attack setting. Modena just doesn't have that oomph during the crucial moments. Ngapeth brings that kind of game that Urnaut is still trying to imitate.


    Still the worst for me is Velasco. Taking out Bednorz who is your most capable striker when Urnaut and Zaytsev are shooting blanks can be a bit jarring. It's like he's lost in his own world and he doesn't have any idea where he'll take Modena. I have my reservations on Tillie's addition. Is the society banking on his complete revival? I don't know.My opinion is they should forget about Holt and risk with an all-italian centrals for a better libero than Rossini even if he's a foreigner instead of an underwhelming OH with a heftier price tag.

    Favorite players: M: Maxim Mikhaylov, Murilo, Serginho, Aaron Russell, Otavio, Simone Giannelli, Ivan Zaytsev, Tsvetan Sokolov, Michał Kubiak, Mariusz Wlazly, Pawel Zagummy W: Sheilla, Zhu Ting, Natalia, Fe Garay, Fofao, Gabi, Thaisa, Foluke Akinradewo, Wei Qiuyue, Ding Xia, Carli Lloyd, Fabi, Natalia Goncharova, Yuko Sano, Saoris Kimura and Sakoda


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    Edited once, last by Rains ().

    IMHO Zaytsev is simply aging. His game is all about physical and athletical power. This drop in his level was expected by many people and everyone tried to convince him to keep playing outside hitter both in Perugia and NT, but he didn't want.


    On the other hand, Modena was killed by the injuries this season. Not just Ivan's fault for the poor performance. And still they managed to win the Supercup.


    The biggest pity is for Anzani, turned into a ghost by the poor passing of his team. He was the best player for Sir Safety during the play-offs last season. Look at him now. He barely kills a ball.

    Quote from QueenPiccininiLover

    IMHO Zaytsev is simply aging. His game is all about physical and athletical power. This drop in his level was expected by many people and everyone tried to convince him to keep playing outside hitter both in Perugia and NT, but he didn't want.


    On the other hand, Modena was killed by the injuries this season. Not just Ivan's fault for the poor performance. And still they managed to win the Supercup.


    The biggest pity is for Anzani, turned into a ghost by the poor passing of his team. He was the best player for Sir Safety during the play-offs last season. Look at him now. He barely kills a ball.

    Anzani have been flopping since WCH 2018. Every time Italy had a chance to catch up, he just had a dumb serve error to ruin the momentum. And this season Anzani is horrible at Modena.

    Mazzone sucked too with Modena this season, but he's still better than Anzani.

    Quote from kyle7in1

    Anzani have been flopping since WCH 2018. Every time Italy had a chance to catch up, he just had a dumb serve error to ruin the momentum. And this season Anzani is horrible at Modena.

    Mazzone sucked too with Modena this season, but he's still better than Anzani.

    You're probably mistaking Lanza for Anzani?


    Holt isn't any better than Anzani or Mazzone which is a terrible crisis for Modena considering the wealth of experience he have. I'm thinking his days are numbered in Italy if his form keeps up through the season.

    Favorite players: M: Maxim Mikhaylov, Murilo, Serginho, Aaron Russell, Otavio, Simone Giannelli, Ivan Zaytsev, Tsvetan Sokolov, Michał Kubiak, Mariusz Wlazly, Pawel Zagummy W: Sheilla, Zhu Ting, Natalia, Fe Garay, Fofao, Gabi, Thaisa, Foluke Akinradewo, Wei Qiuyue, Ding Xia, Carli Lloyd, Fabi, Natalia Goncharova, Yuko Sano, Saoris Kimura and Sakoda


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    So according to GLP, Milano's new sponsor is Allianz. If I'm not mistaken, that's the same company sponsoring the football giant Bayern Munich and considering Giani's connections to Germany, it might be the same company we are speaking of.


    We can only speculate how much they are going to invest on Milano but considering the news about Zaytsev moving to the club, it could be a pretty big deal.

    Favorite players: M: Maxim Mikhaylov, Murilo, Serginho, Aaron Russell, Otavio, Simone Giannelli, Ivan Zaytsev, Tsvetan Sokolov, Michał Kubiak, Mariusz Wlazly, Pawel Zagummy W: Sheilla, Zhu Ting, Natalia, Fe Garay, Fofao, Gabi, Thaisa, Foluke Akinradewo, Wei Qiuyue, Ding Xia, Carli Lloyd, Fabi, Natalia Goncharova, Yuko Sano, Saoris Kimura and Sakoda


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    Edited once, last by Rains ().

    It makes sense, considering Zaytsev's days as world class opposite are over. He can have strong matches in a row, but on the long run doens't keep anymore his former level.

    Trento secured second place, Perugia is first. I think both teams don't want to meet Monza in the playoffs but it should entirely depend on Padova-Latina match to determine their quarterfinal opponent.


    If Padova wins, Trento takes Padova/Perugia takes Monza.


    If Latina wins, Trento takes Monza/Perugia takes Padova.


    For Modena and Milano. Modena gets home advantage if they win 3 sets with a minimum of 1 set loss.


    Milano can take it even when Modena wins and chokes against Vibo Valentia Verona with a minimum requirement of 3-2 win and they(Milano) win against Perugia by 3-0/3-1.


    Anything less is not enough for Milano to take home advantage.

    Favorite players: M: Maxim Mikhaylov, Murilo, Serginho, Aaron Russell, Otavio, Simone Giannelli, Ivan Zaytsev, Tsvetan Sokolov, Michał Kubiak, Mariusz Wlazly, Pawel Zagummy W: Sheilla, Zhu Ting, Natalia, Fe Garay, Fofao, Gabi, Thaisa, Foluke Akinradewo, Wei Qiuyue, Ding Xia, Carli Lloyd, Fabi, Natalia Goncharova, Yuko Sano, Saoris Kimura and Sakoda


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    Edited 2 times, last by Rains ().

    Buchegger had a good match. That's great timing before Challenge Cup.


    Ghafour is okay but he reminds me a lot of Vettori who are system opposites at best. Buchegger is probably the first choice opposite if his injury did not happen.


    About Vettori though, he had a super game. This is the first time he doubled Russell and Kovacevic production although I believe Monza didn't take this as seriously with Coach Soli benching Plotnytski and Dzavoronok after the 3rd set.


    Still Super Vettori is unusual and he totally deserve the MVP nom for this game.:drink:

    Favorite players: M: Maxim Mikhaylov, Murilo, Serginho, Aaron Russell, Otavio, Simone Giannelli, Ivan Zaytsev, Tsvetan Sokolov, Michał Kubiak, Mariusz Wlazly, Pawel Zagummy W: Sheilla, Zhu Ting, Natalia, Fe Garay, Fofao, Gabi, Thaisa, Foluke Akinradewo, Wei Qiuyue, Ding Xia, Carli Lloyd, Fabi, Natalia Goncharova, Yuko Sano, Saoris Kimura and Sakoda


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    Wait I'm drunk. It's Modena-Verona battling tomorrow not Valentia. Sorry for the wrong information, guys.:white:

    Favorite players: M: Maxim Mikhaylov, Murilo, Serginho, Aaron Russell, Otavio, Simone Giannelli, Ivan Zaytsev, Tsvetan Sokolov, Michał Kubiak, Mariusz Wlazly, Pawel Zagummy W: Sheilla, Zhu Ting, Natalia, Fe Garay, Fofao, Gabi, Thaisa, Foluke Akinradewo, Wei Qiuyue, Ding Xia, Carli Lloyd, Fabi, Natalia Goncharova, Yuko Sano, Saoris Kimura and Sakoda


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    Quote from andrea

    Atanasijvic may not want Modena to get home court advantage :lol:

    Everything now depends on Modena. :gone:

    Favorite players: M: Maxim Mikhaylov, Murilo, Serginho, Aaron Russell, Otavio, Simone Giannelli, Ivan Zaytsev, Tsvetan Sokolov, Michał Kubiak, Mariusz Wlazly, Pawel Zagummy W: Sheilla, Zhu Ting, Natalia, Fe Garay, Fofao, Gabi, Thaisa, Foluke Akinradewo, Wei Qiuyue, Ding Xia, Carli Lloyd, Fabi, Natalia Goncharova, Yuko Sano, Saoris Kimura and Sakoda


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    Zaytsev almost made a replay of USA-Italy semifinal in olympics with De Pandis acting as Shoji. :lol:

    Favorite players: M: Maxim Mikhaylov, Murilo, Serginho, Aaron Russell, Otavio, Simone Giannelli, Ivan Zaytsev, Tsvetan Sokolov, Michał Kubiak, Mariusz Wlazly, Pawel Zagummy W: Sheilla, Zhu Ting, Natalia, Fe Garay, Fofao, Gabi, Thaisa, Foluke Akinradewo, Wei Qiuyue, Ding Xia, Carli Lloyd, Fabi, Natalia Goncharova, Yuko Sano, Saoris Kimura and Sakoda


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    I still don't get how a team with the most match wins and the least losses ends up 3rd place... this points system is a bit of a farce. Surely the award should be for the effort of winning a match, not winning it quickly...... makes the whole playoff ranking rather false.

    Quote from Agguerro

    I still don't get how a team with the most match wins and the least losses ends up 3rd place... this points system is a bit of a farce. Surely the award should be for the effort of winning a match, not winning it quickly...... makes the whole playoff ranking rather false.

    I think this controversy will always last for volleyball. Unlike football, a volleyball match doesn't have a tie, and the current scoring system wants to mimic something akin to a tie.

    Playoff QFs


    Perugia-Monza

    Modena-Milano

    Trentino-Padova

    Lube-Verona

    Favorite players: M: Maxim Mikhaylov, Murilo, Serginho, Aaron Russell, Otavio, Simone Giannelli, Ivan Zaytsev, Tsvetan Sokolov, Michał Kubiak, Mariusz Wlazly, Pawel Zagummy W: Sheilla, Zhu Ting, Natalia, Fe Garay, Fofao, Gabi, Thaisa, Foluke Akinradewo, Wei Qiuyue, Ding Xia, Carli Lloyd, Fabi, Natalia Goncharova, Yuko Sano, Saoris Kimura and Sakoda


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