The anticipation builds as the Domotek Volley Reggio Calabria prepares to take on the Sieco Service Ortona this Saturday, December 21, at 5 PM at the Palasport Comunale di Ortona. With both teams currently holding strong positions in the Serie A3 standings, fans can expect an exhilarating contest filled with high stakes.
After successfully advancing to the quarterfinals of the Del Monte® Coppa Italia Serie A3, Domotek Volley arrives with immense confidence, boasting 19 points over nine matches. They will be aiming to secure three points against the second-place Ortona, who currently sit at 22 points, separated from Reggio Calabria by just three points.
Under the guidance of Coach Polimeni, Reggio Calabria is coming off seven wins, including impressive victories against league contenders. Meanwhile, Ortona is also on a commendable streak, having only lost one match so far this season to the top-ranked Romeo Sorrento.
Among the key players for Domotek is center Alessandro Stufano, who recently celebrated his 22nd birthday. Following their qualification for the Coppa Italia, Stufano has expressed pride and optimism leading up to the Ortona match: "We are very pleased, it was a fantastic team performance against such a relentless opponent. Personally, I am happy with my performance and of those around me. A win against Ortona would mean the world to us right now. It would be like receiving an early Christmas gift, boosting us for the home game against Modica on Saint Stephen’s Day."
Ortona, recovering from their recent relegation, is poised to make the most of this season, with Andrea Lanci leading the charge as the new president. The team’s efforts to restore pride following their previous campaign are evident, with expectations already high as they attempt to bring enthusiasm back to the local community. Coach Francesco Denora Caporusso takes the helm this year, marking his debut with the organization after leaving his previous role at Polisportiva Libertas Cantù.
Adding prestige to the Ortona roster is Leonel Marshall, the Italian-Cuban volleyball legend, serving as captain. Marshall, alongside talented young players, aims to steer the team to victory and regain their footing at higher levels of competition. His extensive experience from competing at the Olympic level and years spent playing professionally across various countries stand to greatly influence Ortona’s performance.
The upcoming match offers not only competition but also the chance for both teams to increase fan engagement through their spirited play. With the match being streamed live on the Lega Volley YouTube channel, the enthusiasm of fans will reverberate even louder as they support their teams from afar.
Reggio Calabria, riding high from their successful start and within reach of Ortona, see this match as a pivotal moment for their aspirations. Stufano’s call for teamwork echoes through both squads, emphasizing camaraderie and determination as both clubs strive to achieve their goals. “Every game is important, but this one is monumental for our ranking,” he concluded. “It can shift the momentum for the upcoming matches as well.”
The weight of the match lies not only on the teams but on the broader narrative of resilience and redemption for both Ortona and Reggio Calabria. With the potential for pivotal playoff standings on the line, the game promises to be more than just points on the board; it’s about pride, community support, and the future of these passionate volleyball teams.
Fans will eagerly watch as these two dynamic teams clash this Saturday, fueling the excitement surrounding Italian volleyball and showcasing the excellent talent at this competitive level.