Rome, December 10 – SMI Roma Volley secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Casalmaggiore in a midweek match, with set scores of 25-21, 25-20, and 25-20. This win brings the Roman team to 21 points in the standings, placing them fourth with a game in hand compared to the leading teams: Costa Volpino, Trentino, and Melendugno.
Dominant Performance and Redemption
From the first whistle, SMI Roma Volley demonstrated a clear desire for redemption, not only for their recent loss against Costa Volpino but also for the three points dropped against Casalmaggiore in the first leg. The giallorosse maintained a consistent lead throughout the match at the sports hall, showcasing a strong and unified performance.
The team’s starting lineup featured Gaia Guiducci as setter, Nikoleta Perovic as opposite, Giulia Angelina and Chiara Mason on the wings, Ludovica Guidi and Chiara Biesso as central blockers, and Giorgia Zannoni as libero. Throughout the three sets, Martina Cantoni, Teresa Bosso, Federica Baratella, and Claudia Consoli also saw playing time, contributing to the team’s success.
Biesso’s Debut and Team Morale
For central blocker Chiara Biesso, this was her first match as a starter. “I am happy with my performance, but I could have done better,” Biesso commented after the match. “At first, I was very emotional, my legs were trembling, but that’s also the magic of sports. We wanted to win, we wanted these three points to boost our morale after last week, and in view of the upcoming challenges. Sunday will be Messina, and it will be a battle from the start.”
Perovic’s Stellar Performance and MVP Title
The Roman team was propelled to victory by an unstoppable Perovic, who consistently delivered powerful spikes from both the front and back lines. It was fitting that she was named MVP, with a 70% success rate in attacks, scoring the final point that sealed the match. “It was a great game, also from a tactical point of view. I received good sets,” said the opposite hitter. “Now we have to think about the next game, and we must not forget that Messina will be on Sunday. It is a very important direct match.”
Coach Cuccarini’s Satisfaction and Strategic Depth
Coach Giuseppe Cuccarini expressed his satisfaction with his players’ performance. “Unfortunately, the break during the rest round slowed us down a bit, but today we played a great game. And I’m not just talking about the result, but a good performance overall. We are satisfied.” Cuccarini highlighted the team’s depth, noting that any player who steps onto the court delivers the required results. “I can play everyone; this roster gives us the possibility to interchange. From now on, every match is important, and every opponent will be a direct opponent to enter the top 5 and thus for promotion. Sunday in Messina, an important match awaits us.”
Upcoming Big Match Against Messina
The team is now fully focused on their next challenge: a crucial match against Messina. This upcoming game is expected to be a direct confrontation, with significant implications for their position in the league standings and their aspirations for promotion. The first leg between the two teams saw the Romans triumph 3-1, and they will be looking to replicate that success on Sicilian soil.
The strategic depth of the SMI Roma Volley squad, as emphasized by Coach Cuccarini, will be vital in navigating the demanding schedule and securing positive results in these critical encounters. The players’ determination and the coaching staff’s tactical approach are set to make the upcoming Messina match a thrilling contest.
Source: https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/25_dicembre_10/smi-roma-volley-batte-3-0-casalmaggiore-domenica-big-match-con-il-messina-4b11a205-dfe0-4d45-b976-c7287a90cxlk.shtml
