The Tuscans were beaten in a tie break by the world champions in the first leg of the quarterfinals. The return is Wednesday 28th
Great balance in the second Italy-Turkey match of these Champions League quarter-finals. In Istanbul Scandicci comes close to achieving the feat by taking the lead twice. The return on February 28th at 8pm
eczacibasi istanbul-savino del bene scandicci (23-35, 25-21, 24-26, 25-17, 15-10)
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Barbolini deploys Ognjenovic-Antropova, Zhu-Herbots as a forward and Nwakalor-Carol in the center with Armini and Parrocchiale alternating as liberos. Eczacibasi fields Sahin-Boskovic, Gray-Baladin, Jack Kisal-Arici with Akoz free. In the first set, the Tuscans were immediately ahead, more organized on the block and more aggressive even if they struggled in attack. Antropova isn’t having one of his most devastating nights. Carol in the center and Zhu Ting take care of it. In the second reaction of the Turks dragged by Boskovic and Gray while Scandicci’s wall drops significantly. Even Jack Kisal in fast behind is deadly. Despite this, Antropova and her teammates always managed to stay in the slipstream without managing to overtake. And it closes a wall of Americana. Eczacibasi tries to escape in the third and goes to +3 with the newcomer Aydemir but Scandicci doesn’t give up, finds important points with Carol and Antropova, then the turn in service of the opposite Italian team overtakes them. Scandicci wastes two set points then closes again with Antropova and Di Iulio. The Turks took the lead again in the fourth with Boskovic, they found an important break with Gray and resisted the comeback attempts of the guests who then went wild in reception, they were evanescent in attack and left Boskovic and her teammates the space to extend up to +8 which takes the teams to a tie break. In the fifth, the Turkish team’s improved clarity pays off as they immediately move forward with Boskovic and keep good guard against the wall