A week after securing a hard-fought victory over Numia Vero Volley Milano in a thrilling five-set encounter, Savino Del Bene Scandicci now sets their sights on another crucial match in the 2024-2025 Lega Volley Femminile Serie A1 Tigotà. This time, the team from Firenze heads out on the road to face Igor Gorgonzola Novara in a derby that promises to be as intense and competitive as ever. The match, set to take place this Sunday, will mark the 13th leg of the regular season, concluding the first round of this highly competitive tournament.
Here's ads banner inside a post
The Stakes: A Shot at Second Place
Currently occupying second place in the league standings with 29 points (10 wins and 2 losses), Scandicci is in prime position to strengthen their campaign. Only 10 points behind the current leaders, Prosecco Doc Imoco Conegliano, who have accumulated 39 points, Scandicci has the opportunity to close the gap significantly with a win over Novara. The significance of this match is amplified by the fact that both of Scandicci’s closest rivals – Conegliano and third-placed Milano (28 points) – are away, competing at the prestigious FIVB Volleyball Women’s Club World Championship 2024 in China. This means Scandicci can capitalize on their rivals’ absence and potentially pull ahead with a win.
Here's ads banner inside a post
Should Scandicci secure a victory, they would not only reduce the gap between themselves and Conegliano to seven points but also create a four-point cushion over Milano, who will remain idle during the weekend. With such an opportunity on the table, it’s clear that the upcoming match is pivotal for Scandicci as they aim to solidify their position in the top two.
Scandicci’s Winning Formula: Antropova’s Scoring Brilliance
One of the key players driving Scandicci’s impressive form has been Olympic champion Ekaterina Antropova. The 21-year-old Russian opposite has been in sensational form, most recently scoring a remarkable 34 points in their victory against Milano. In fact, Antropova has been on fire in the past five matches, producing over 25 points in each contest. This consistent high-level performance has propelled her to the top of the Lega Femminile’s scoring table, with 293 points to her name. Not only is Antropova leading the league in scoring, but she is also the league’s best server, with 27 aces, further demonstrating her all-around contribution to Scandicci’s success.
Here's ads banner inside a post
Her presence on the court has been a game-changer for Scandicci, and with the upcoming derby, they will be hoping that Antropova can continue her incredible form. Against Novara, her ability to score under pressure will be crucial, especially considering the intense nature of this rivalry.
Novara’s Resurgence and the Pressure of the Derby
While Scandicci comes into this match with great momentum, Igor Gorgonzola Novara, sitting in fourth place with 25 points (9 wins, 3 losses), is also coming off a strong run of form, with three victories in their last four matches. Novara has the chance to leapfrog Milano into third place with a victory over Scandicci, provided they win in three or four sets.
Novara’s chances in this derby largely rest on their attacking strength, with Japanese star outside hitter Mayu Ishikawa leading the team’s scoring efforts for the season with 177 points. Ishikawa has been a key contributor to Novara’s success, and her experience will be essential in helping the team navigate the challenges of this highly anticipated match. However, Novara’s firepower isn’t limited to just Ishikawa. In their most recent match against Megabox Ondulati Savio Vallefoglia, it was Russian opposite Tatiana Tolok who stepped up and delivered an astounding 36 points, proving that Novara’s attack is dynamic and capable of delivering when it counts the most.
The Derby History: Novara’s Historical Edge, but Scandicci’s Recent Success
The rivalry between Scandicci and Novara is one of the fiercest in Italian women’s volleyball, and it has a long history. The two teams have faced off 27 times in the Lega Volley Femminile, with Novara having the upper hand historically, winning 19 of those encounters. However, Scandicci has shown significant improvement in recent years, having won three of the last five matchups, including the most recent two. This gives Scandicci confidence going into the derby, knowing they have the capability to defeat their rivals, even in their own home arena.
Despite Novara’s historical dominance in this fixture, Scandicci’s recent success has been undeniable. Their victories in the last two encounters have shown that they can stand toe-to-toe with one of the most successful teams in the league, and with a squad brimming with talent and confidence, Scandicci will be eager to extend their winning streak in this crucial derby.
The Importance of the Upcoming Weekend for Other Teams
While all eyes will be on the Scandicci-Novara derby, the results of this match could have a significant impact on other teams in the league. Eurotek Uyba Busto Arsizio, currently in fifth place with 24 points, will be closely watching the outcome of the derby. A Novara loss combined with a Busto victory over Cda Volley Talmassons Fvg on Saturday could see Busto move into fourth place, narrowing the gap between themselves and the top four.
This added layer of intrigue makes the weekend even more exciting for volleyball fans, as multiple teams are vying for positions in the upper echelons of the league.
Other Matches to Watch This Weekend
In addition to the Scandicci-Novara clash, three other matches will take place in Italy on Sunday. Honda Olivero Cuneo, currently in 14th place, will host eighth-placed Vallefoglia at 16:00 local time (15:00 GMT). At the same time, ninth-placed Il Bisonte Firenze will face seventh-placed Bergamo in an exciting mid-table battle. Lastly, Wash4Green Pinerolo, sitting in 10th place, will welcome 13th-placed SMI Roma Volley at 17:30 local time (16:30 GMT).
These matches may not carry the same high stakes as the Scandicci-Novara derby, but they are still important for teams looking to improve their positions as the first round of the season comes to a close. With so much at stake, fans are in for a thrilling round of matches.
The Derby That Could Define Scandicci’s Season
As Savino Del Bene Scandicci prepares to face Igor Gorgonzola Novara in this high-stakes derby, all eyes will be on them to see if they can maintain their incredible form and move closer to the top of the standings. With Ekaterina Antropova in sensational form and a confident team ready to challenge their rivals, Scandicci is poised for another major test. If they can come through with a victory, it could be a defining moment in their 2024-2025 season, one that could set the stage for even greater success in the months to come.
As for Novara, they will be determined to defend their home court and maintain their position in the top four, making this derby one that promises to deliver drama, excitement, and all the intensity that comes with this historic rivalry. The stage is set for another unforgettable clash in the Lega Volley Femminile Serie A1 Tigotà, and fans can expect a thrilling encounter that could shape the league’s standings for weeks to come.
