The championship returns after the Italian Cup, and Gabbiano Mantova responds immediately. In the third round of the A3 series tournament Credem Banca Gola and teammates defeated a tough and combative Sarlux Sarroch until the end, who fought with determination for every ball, 3-1.
But the character of coach Serafini’s boys once again prevails, together with a bench that, as usual, is present when called upon. In fact, in place of Novello, the coach from Mantua confirms Massafeli on the field. With him, Parolari and Yordanov in the band, Miselli and Ferrari in the centre, with the usual direction orchestrated by Martinelli.
The first set ends at 25-18 for Gabbiano, attacking every fundamental and suffocating her opponents. The biancazzurri also extended their lead in the second set, taking home 25-17. At this point, the guests have a jolt, and start off quickly in the third set, with a break at 6-2 and then at 9-4. The islanders extend to 20-13, the hosts come back to 21-16, but the set ends at 25-18 in favor of Sarroch.
The fourth set is a real battle: it is also played on nerves, with some moments of tension on the pitch, more than justified in a match of this type. Sarroch starts strong and takes the lead first to 7-2 and then to 10-5. But the heart of Serafini’s boys is boundless: Scaltriti also enters and they play point by point, change of ball after change of ball. From 21 all, the decisive extension, with the hosts showing themselves cynical and ruthless, and closing the contest at 25-21, giving themselves 3 points of fundamental importance.
We return to the pitch on Sunday 21 January, at 6pm on the Wimore Salsomaggiore Terme pitch. Another battle to face with the spirit that has been animating this team since August.
