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The 2026-27 SuperLega Credem Banca season kicked off with a bang as Cucine Lube Civitanova secured a dominant 3-0 away victory against Rana Verona, immediately grabbing three crucial points.
Civitanova Dominates Verona in Season Opener
The highly anticipated rematch of last year’s Scudetto Semifinal saw Cucine Lube Civitanova assert their authority from the outset. Playing in front of a passionate crowd of 4,755 spectators at Pala Magis, Civitanova’s strong start was highlighted by an early attack from debutant Jackson Howe, securing the first set.
Rana Verona faced challenges, notably without setter Christenson and with Kellian Motta Paes making his Italian debut. Despite attempts to shift momentum, including the introduction of Vitelli, Civitanova’s service game proved too much. Three aces in the second set by the visitors, coached by Medei, further solidified their control.
Nikolov Shines as MVP in Opening Win
The final set saw a spirited comeback from Verona, with Anzani’s block even giving them a brief lead. However, the match culminated in a tense chase for points. Ultimately, it was Aleksandar Nikolov who sealed the victory for Civitanova with a decisive ace, confirmed after a video challenge, sparking celebrations from the bench.
Aleksandar Nikolov was deservedly named the MVP of the match, leading all scorers with an impressive 19 points. His performance included a crucial block and a remarkable five aces. Teammates Simeon Nikolov and Giovanni Maria Gargiulo also contributed significantly from the service line with two aces each, while Simeon Nikolov and Jackson Howe were strong at the net with two blocks apiece.
Verona’s Top Performers and Looking Ahead
For Rana Verona, new signing Paul Buchegger emerged as the top scorer with 13 points, followed by Noumory Keita with 11. Despite the loss, Verona showed resilience, particularly in the third set.
The first round of the SuperLega Credem Banca Regular Season continues on Sunday, October 18th, with several other matches scheduled. Notably, Acqua Sant’Anna Cuneo will face Sir Susa Scai Perugia live on Rai Sport.
The opening match sets a high bar for the season, with Civitanova making a clear statement of intent early on.
Source: legavolley.it