European Cups
2014 DenizBank Champions League
Trentino will defend its top spot as they travel to Switzerland to face Lugano on Tuesday. A win would be a giant step towards qualification, although a win over runners-up Berlin will be needed in the last game to make sure. Macerata has to win against Aich/Dob as Zaytsev and co slipped to second place because of their defeat against Novosibirsk last week. On Thursday, Piacenza has the toughest challenge of the week with a game against French side Tours VB. The two sides are tied in the group but the French had inflicted Piacenza its first European defeat (3-2). At stake, there will be the top spot, as Ljublana stands 6 points behind and should not be a threat.
Standings of the Italians
POOL A
Standing: Tours VB, Copra Elior Piacenza 10, Ach Volley Ljubljana 4, Marek Union-Ivkoni Dupnitsa 0
POOL D
Standing: Trentino Diatec 12, Berlin Recycling Volley 9, Energy Investments Lugano 2, Arkas Izmir 1
POOL E
Standing: Zenit Kazan 9, Cucine Lube Banca Marche Macerata 8, Lokomotiv Novosibirsk 7, Posojilnica Aich/Dob 0
Fixtures
2014 DenizBank Champions League
Round 5
Tuesday December 10 at 6pm
Energy Investments Lugano (SUI) – Trentino Diatec (ITA)
(Markelj-Mitev)
Tuesday December 10 at 8.30pm
Cucine Lube Banca Marche Macerata (ITA) – Posojilnica Aich/Dob (AUT) Live on Sky Sport 2
(Cinatl-Ormonde)
Thursday December 12 at 8.30pm
Copra Elior Piacenza (ITA) – Tours VB (FRA) Live on Sky Sport 2
(Cuk-Yener)
2014 CEV Cup
On Wednesday, Cuneo will play host to the German squad of TV Ingersoll Bühl in the CEV CUP 8th of finals return leg. The Italians won the first leg 3-2 and will go through with a victory on any score. A tie-break defeat would lead to a Golden Set.
Fixtures
2014 CEV Cup
8th of finals return leg
Wednesday December 11 at 7pm
Bre Lannutti Cuneo (ITA) – TV Ingersoll Bühl (GER)
(Szabò-Fuentes Barrasa)
2014 Challenge Cup
In the 16th of finals first leg, Latina will entertain Antwerp (Belgium). While things are not going well in the league, the Italians have registered two convincing wins in Europe over Chemes Humenne in the previous round. Antwerp is coming from the Cev cup, as it was knocked out at the 16th of finals stage.
Fixtures
2014 Challenge Cup
16th of finals first leg
Wednesday December 11 at 8.30pm
Andreoli Latina (ITA) – Precura Antwerpen (BEL)
(Armeanu-Petrovic)
