In a thrilling display of volleyball prowess, Prosecco DOC Imoco Conegliano secured their eighth Scudetto title, defeating Numia Vero Volley Milano in straight sets during Game 3 of the Serie A1 Tigotà playoff final on April 22, 2025. The match, held at the Palaverde in Villorba, saw Conegliano dominate with scores of 25-22, 25-20, and 25-21, marking their seventh consecutive championship victory.
The atmosphere was electric as the Palaverde arena buzzed with excitement, packed to the brim with fans eagerly anticipating the crowning of the champions. Before the match, a poignant minute of silence was observed in memory of Pope Francis, who had passed away the day prior. This solemn moment served as a reminder of the community's spirit and the significance of the event.
Conegliano, under the guidance of coach Daniele Santarelli, entered the match with a 2-0 lead in the series, having convincingly won the first two games. The team boasted an impressive record, with 77 points out of 78 during the regular season, and had already claimed the Supercoppa, Coppa Italia, and Club World Cup titles this season. Isabelle Haak, Gabi Guimarães, and Zhu Ting were pivotal in their success, showcasing their skills throughout the match.
From the first set, Conegliano established their dominance. After an initial back-and-forth, they pulled ahead with critical plays, including a powerful hit from Haak and a strategic block by Gabi. Milano, led by their star player Paola Egonu, struggled to find their rhythm against Conegliano's formidable defense. The first set concluded with a score of 25-22, as Egonu's attempt to level the score ended in a costly error.
The second set saw Conegliano continue their strong performance. Gabi's exceptional plays, including a series of well-placed attacks, helped them extend their lead. Despite Egonu scoring 11 points in the set, it wasn't enough to overcome Conegliano's momentum. The set ended 25-20, putting the defending champions just one set away from clinching the title.
As the third set commenced, Conegliano maintained their intensity. They quickly jumped to a 2-0 lead, with Haak and Gabi continuing to shine. Milano's coach, Stefano Lavarini, called for timeouts to regroup his team, but Conegliano's relentless pressure proved too much. A notable moment came when Gabi delivered an ace, pushing the score to 21-17 and forcing another timeout from Milano.
Despite a spirited effort from Milano, including strong plays from Egonu and Cazaute, Conegliano's lead was insurmountable. The match concluded with a final score of 25-21 in the third set, sealing the championship for Conegliano. The players erupted in celebration, marking yet another historic achievement for the club.
After the match, coach Santarelli praised his team's performance, stating, "We approached this match with the right mindset, and the players executed our game plan perfectly. Winning the Scudetto is always special, especially in front of our home crowd."
For Milano, the loss was a disappointing end to their season, but they showcased resilience and determination throughout the series. Coach Lavarini acknowledged the challenges faced, noting, "We fought hard, but Conegliano's experience and depth were decisive. We will learn from this and come back stronger next season."
The rivalry between Conegliano and Milano has become a defining feature of Italian women's volleyball, with Conegliano now holding a remarkable 39 wins out of 44 encounters against Milano. This season alone, Conegliano has triumphed in all seven matches against their rivals, including the finals of the Supercoppa, Coppa Italia, and now the Scudetto.
Looking ahead, both teams will continue their preparations for the upcoming CEV Champions League, where they will meet again in the semifinals on May 3 in Istanbul. As for Conegliano, they will relish this victory, adding another trophy to their illustrious history and solidifying their status as a powerhouse in women's volleyball.
The match was broadcast live on Rai Sport HD and DAZN, allowing fans to witness the thrilling conclusion of the season. With the Scudetto secured, Conegliano will now focus on celebrating their success and preparing for the challenges that lie ahead in the Champions League.
