I think that nobody was expected this. It is really bad that they had so few time as a team. Markova and Akimova together would be monsterous team if they could have time to work together specially if you think that Danesi and Bonifacio duo are playing amazing lately ( and it is the best MB duo right now in the world in club level). There are the only team in the world right now I believe ( maybe also Milano now because lately Cazaute rised) who they wold have enough attacking power and quality to destroy Imoco. But it's such a sad that they seem to be at such an early stage of preparation.
Lol. Markova & Akimova duo has not worked so far. Markova's passing is terriblr and against the best serving ITA team, I doubt she can hold up just likr she couldn't when they faced Imovo during the regular season.
Akimova has not been having a good second part of the season. I'm Moy sure if it's either because teams have already figured out how to stop her or she has some sort of injury.
The only teams that could possible challenge Imoco right now are Fener and Milano. Milano's issue is physiological. If they play like they did against Fenet (especially that home game) they have everything to win against Conegliano. They just have to believe it.