The first, great, goal of the season is achieved: within the friendly walls of the PalaSguaitzer, Gabbiano Mantova annihilates Cus Cagliari 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 25-22 partial scores) in the quarter-finals of the Del Monte Coppa Italy of Serie A3 and flies quickly to the semi-final, against Smartsystem Fano (victorious 3-0 against Erm Group San Giustino). In the other two matches, Monge Gerbaudo Savigliano defeated Personal Time San Donà 3-2, while Omifer Palmi beat Banca Macerata, again at tie break. Now all that remains to be seen is whether there will be a Final Four on 2-3 March (the four teams still competing have until 24 January to submit their candidature), or whether we will proceed with semi-finals (7 February) and grand final (3 March ).
But there is still time to think about the future. Gabbiano’s wonderful present coincides with a performance that, from all points of view, cancels out the defeat that arrived on the Savigliano pitch. The percentages of the blue and white attackers are sensational, with Parolari finishing at 62% (13 out of 21 in attack with two blocks and three aces), Yordanov at 65% (13 out of 20 in attack with one block) and the two central defenders Miselli and Ferrari at 67 % with, respectively, 4 out of 6 in attack (and 4 winning blocks) and 6 out of 9 in attack, with a winning block.
The only discordant note is the injury to Novello, who bends his left ankle badly when coming down from an attack. While waiting for the instrumental tests, we hope that the stop will be short for the strong opponent from Treviso, who in a set and a half had scored 13 points (11 out of 16 in attack, with 69% positivity and two blocks). .
«I have to be honest, at the beginning of the championship this objective wasn’t even in our thoughts – explains coach Simone Serafini – but now there is great satisfaction for a goal that is the result of the work we have been carrying out since August. The kids, staff and club are making incredible efforts, and the results are visible.”
«The stop in Novello wasn’t necessary – continues Serafini – but since last Saturday whoever replaced him, that is Masssafeli, has been very good. We can count on him, he is very young (born in 2004, ed.) but in training he gives everything and has improved a lot since the beginning of the year. We have many solutions, our squad is large and well built, we have the weapons to make up for any absences.”
Now the focus is on the championship, with the third matchday scheduled for Saturday 13 January. Another Sardinian team arrives at PalaSguaitzer, Sarlux Sarroch, currently in ninth place in the standings with 15 points. The match, due to logistical needs of the guests, will start at 7.30 pm.
