SMI Roma Volley Secures Crucial Victory Against Nuvolì Padova in Serie A2 Playoff Pool
Rome, February 8, 2026 – SMI Roma Volley exacted revenge on Nuvolì Anfratte Padova yesterday evening, securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory in the second round of the Serie A2 Promotion Pool. The Roman Wolves, who had previously been defeated 3-1 by Padova in the Coppa Italia quarterfinals on January 7, displayed resilience and determination to claim two crucial points, bringing their total to 17 and keeping their Serie A1 dreams alive.
Match Lineup and Initial Set Dominance
SMI Roma Volley took to the court with Gaia Guiducci as setter, Nikoleta Perovic as opposite, Claudia Consoli and Chiara Biesso as middle blockers, Chiara Mason and Teresa Maria Bosso as outside hitters, and Giorgia Zannoni as libero.
The first set began evenly, but Roma gradually built a lead, moving from 3-6 to 5-9. Two consecutive blocks by Biesso propelled the Giallorosse to an 8-13 advantage, initiating a decisive run. Three consecutive aces by Consoli further extended their lead to 14-21. An attack error by the home team and a subsequent blocking infringement brought Roma to 15-24. Despite Padova saving four set points, Perovic ultimately closed the set with a delicate tip, making it 19-25.
Padova’s Resurgence in the Second and Third Sets
The second set saw a more balanced start, with Mason’s diagonal attacks and Consoli’s quick hits keeping Roma in contention. However, Padova capitalized on two defensive errors by Roma to take an 11-13 lead and continued to dominate, reaching 17-12. Coach Cuccarini introduced Carolina Pecorari in place of Bosso, who was not performing at her usual level. Guiducci relied on Perovic, who scored two consecutive points, narrowing the gap. However, Padova’s block adjusted to Perovic, and despite Mason’s efforts to bring Roma closer, Mazzon’s ace sealed the set for Padova at 25-20, leveling the match at 1-1.
In the third set, Bosso returned to the court, but Padova started strong, quickly building a 5-1 lead. Roma attempted to catch up with attacks from Mason and Perovic, reducing the deficit to 6-5. Padova then created another break, moving to 10-6. Roma’s intensity waned, although Perovic’s attacks kept them in the game at 13-11. Padova continued to push, reaching 17-12, and easily closed the set 25-19, taking a 2-1 lead in the match.
Roma’s Stunning Comeback and Decisive Fifth Set
SMI Roma entered the fourth set transformed, immediately taking a 0-4 lead, largely thanks to a resurgent Bosso. Venetian errors further extended Roma’s lead to 1-8. Bosso continued her excellent performance with an ace, and Mason skillfully played off the block. The significant lead persisted until 5-12, increasing to 5-13 with Consoli’s block. Padova mounted a comeback, narrowing the gap to 12-16. Consoli then scored two crucial points, and Pecorari’s serve resulted in an ace. Bosso’s powerful hits and Biesso’s second-ball attack ensured Roma maintained their advantage, closing the set 19-25 and forcing a decisive fifth set.
The fifth set began with a monster block from Perovic. Roma’s blocking proved to be the difference, with Mason and Consoli adding further blocks, leading to a 3-7 advantage. Mason’s hit off the block brought them to the change of ends at 4-8. Padova fought back, tying the score at 8-8 and then taking a 10-9 lead. Roma momentarily faltered, with Perovic being blocked, giving Padova an 11-9 lead. However, Roma rallied, and a Biesso-Perovic block tied the score at 12-12. The Montenegrin opposite then secured the lead at 12-13, earning SMI their first match point. She then closed the match with another block alongside Biesso, sealing the set 12-15 and the match 3-2.
This victory marks a significant moment for SMI Roma Volley, demonstrating their strength and determination in the Serie A2 Promotion Pool.
Source: roma.corriere.it
