Verona, 17 January 2026 – Sixth consecutive victory for Rana Verona, who record their second 3-0 win in a few days, overcoming MA Acqua S. Bernardo Cuneo in front of 5,150 spectators with another convincing performance. The Scaligeri started strongly, quickly finding their rhythm and pulling away from their opponents. They controlled the second set and overcame any difficulties in the third, closing out the match in three sets. Captain Mozic was once again in the spotlight, delivering another impressive performance on his birthday with 17 points and a 76% attack success rate. Keita (14) and Darlan (12) also scored in double figures. The next match is scheduled for next Sunday at Cisterna.

Coach Soli relied on the main diagonal of Christenson and Darlan, with Mozic and Keita on the wings and the Cortesia-Vitelli pair in the centre. Staforini was the libero.

The match opened with a superb pipe from Mozic, then Keita’s excellent defence led to a spike from Darlan, followed by two points from Cortesia: Verona’s first lead at 8-3. A prolonged rally ended with a lob from Mozic, increasing the gap (11-4). Verona maintained a steady pace and, thanks mainly to their captain’s shots, extended their lead. Vitelli’s block sealed a long rally, bringing the score to 20-9. The Piedmontese tried to recover, but Cortesia capitalised on a great set from Christenson before Keita closed the set at 25-16.

The visitors reacted immediately, asserting themselves at the net with Codarin for 0-3. Verona caught up and the set proceeded point by point, with Darlan breaking through the opponents’ block for 5-5. Vitelli’s block and Mozic’s ace gave Verona the lead (8-6). The Scaligeri pushed again and, with a double ace from Keita, went four points ahead (13-9). The Malian also scored with a pipe, extending the lead (17-11). Cuneo relied on Feral to try to recover, but Mozic put five points between the teams (20-15). Strehlau hit an ace to keep his team’s hopes alive (23-20), but the set ended with a point from nine metres by Cortesia (25-21).

Baranowicz’s ace opened the third set, and Darlan responded in kind (2-1). Verona tried to extend their lead, but Sedlacek was incisive on serve and Strehlau scored for the temporary equaliser (7-7). The Piedmontese believed in themselves and took an 11-12 lead with an ace from Feral. Verona regained momentum, with Mozic putting down a loose ball at the net (14-13). The home side gained a two-point lead, but Cuneo did not give up, equalised and took the lead again (19-21). Verona, however, kept their composure, with Darlan’s double ace putting them back in front before Mozic’s diagonal shot sealed the win at 25-23.

MATCH STATISTICS

Rana Verona–MA Acqua S. Bernardo Cuneo 3–0 (25-16; 25-21; 25-23)

Rana Verona: Christenson, Darlan 12, Mozic 17, Keita 14, Cortesia 8, Vitelli 2, Staforini (L), Planinsic, Gironi, Sani, Glatz, Nedeljkovic, Valbusa, Bonisoli (L). Coach: Soli

MA Acqua S. Bernardo Cuneo: Baranowicz 1, Feral 9, Strehlau 7, Sedlacek 5, Stefanovic 4, Codarin 6, Cavaccini (L), Bonomi, Sala, Giraudo, Zaytsev, Copelli, Colasanti, Cattaneo 2, Oberto (L). Coach: Battocchio

Referees: Piana, Santoro, Nava

Video check official: Scapinello

Set duration: 21′; 26′; 27′; total: 1h 14′

Attack: Rana Verona 57%; MA Acqua S. Bernardo Cuneo 40%

Reception: Rana Verona 33%; MA Acqua S. Bernardo Cuneo 33%

Blocks: Rana Verona 3; MA Acqua S. Bernardo Cuneo 4

Aces: Rana Verona 11; MA Acqua S. Bernardo Cuneo 5

MVP: Rok Mozic

Spectators: 5,150

Emiliano Martinelli