With a clear 3-0 in the Turkish city of Antalya, Trentino Itas led by Fabio Soli closed its season in the best possible way, lifting the Champions League to the skies for the fourth time in its history thirteen years after the last success. Against the Polish team Jastrzebski Wegiel, Michieletto and his teammates showed off an applause-worthy performance, becoming European Champions again in three sets.
Just over thirteen years after the last time (27 March 2011, Champions League won in Bolzano), Trentino Volley has returned to win the title of European Club Champion. Trentino Volley also becomes the second most successful club in the single competition. In the event’s roll of honour, only Zenit Kazan (6 wins) has won more CEV Champions Leagues.
Fabio Soli (coach Itas Trentino): “I believe that even before this splendid match, what we had done had great meaning, great value, but last night we added something exceptional. We fulfilled our great dream, we wanted to get to play in the Final and then after we got here we also wanted to win it. We succeeded. Thanks to everyone who offered their contribution to our cause; what we have experienced in the last few months has been very particular, but we managed to win this title thanks to the solidity of the club, the work of the staff and the determination of the players.
Alessandro Michieletto (Itas Trentino): “I feel like I’m dreaming, I’m really happy, it’s a fantastic moment, an indescribable emotion that I want to dedicate to our fans. I have yet to realize what we have managed to do. It wasn’t an obvious match, in fact I thought it could be resolved in a tie-break because we were facing a strong rival.”
Marko Podrascanin (Itas Trentino): “I have to be honest: when I arrived four years ago I promised that we would win the Champions League. At a certain point it seemed like an unachievable dream, especially after the two finals lost in Verona and Ljubljana. Thanks to this fantastic group who knew how to grit their teeth and who didn’t stop believing in it. After the difficulties experienced in the Play Offs we were good at resetting everything.
Jan Kozamernik (Itas Trentino): “It was an exceptional match, we went back to playing like we did two months ago and to finish the season like this is wonderful. I am overjoyed and honored to be part of this group; we deserved to win at least one trophy: to do it with the Champions League is wonderful. This team deserves this and much more.”
