The final for 3rd place in the SuperLega Credem Banca, played between the two semi-finalists excluded from the Scudetto fight, is preparing for its second edition. For the second consecutive year, a best-of-five series will award the third slot in the Champions League, in addition to the two Scudetto finalists.
The protagonists are Itas Trentino, the title-holder team, and Allianz Milano, who last year arrived empty in the play-off valid for the Champions League and lost against Piacenza in three matches without winning a single set. Up for grabs is a pass to the CEV Champions League 2025 to be awarded to whoever finishes on the third step of the podium, while whoever finishes fourth will not be left empty, but will enter the CEV Cup 2025.
The series opens tomorrow, Wednesday 17 April, at the Daily Arena. The hosts of Itas Trentino, resigned to the idea of having to unpick the tricolour, have to put the pieces back together after the shock elimination in Game 5 of the Semi-final with Monza, which took place between friendly walls in the tie-break. Down by two sets, but capable of making a comeback and extending the match, Fabio Soli’s men only succumbed to a photo finish when faced with a rival driven by unbridled enthusiasm and a very aggressive game. The disappointment is great, but the yellow-blues have a Champions League Final to prepare for and want to honor the Final for 3rd Place, thus gaining a pass for the next edition of the most important continental club tournament. The Milanese team, however, has already had the necessary days to assimilate the elimination from the Scudetto race in the Semi-final against Perugia and wants to reverse the trend. Three wins are needed for third place. The numbers help to understand the difficulty of the undertaking given that the Ambrosians have beaten Trento only 3 times out of 24 previous matches. At Itas Kamil Rychlicki is close to a considerable goal (16 points at 2500 in Italy).
Click HERE to access the “Pregara” area with the statements of the protagonists, records, former and previous ones.
Game 1 – Play Off 3rd Place Credem Banca
Wednesday 17 April 2024, 8.30 pm
Itas Trentino – Allianz Milan
Referees: Giardini Massimiliano, Puecher Andrea (Serafin Denis)
Video Check: Miggiano Simone
Scorekeeper: Fellin Matteo
Live VBTV
Next matches of the series
Game 2
Saturday 20 April 2024, 8.30 pm
Allianz Milan – Itas Trentino
Game 3
Wednesday 24 April 2024, 8.30 pm
Itas Trentino – Allianz Milan
Game 4 (possible)
Saturday 27 April 2024, 8.30 pm
Allianz Milan – Itas Trentino
Game 5 (possible)
Tuesday 30 April 2024, 8.30 pm
Itas Trentino – Allianz Milan
