As the 2025-2026 Lega Femminile Serie A1 Tigotà season ignites, a seismic shift has occurred on the Italian volleyball landscape. While traditional titans continue their dominance, an underdog has delivered a performance that will echo through the league, proving that in sports, reputation counts for little when passion and precision take the court.
The second leg of the Italian Women`s Volleyball League has concluded, leaving four teams standing tall with unblemished records. Among these formidable forces – Savino Del Bene Scandicci, Igor Gorgonzola Novara, and the reigning champions Prosecco Doc Imoco Conegliano – a new narrative has emerged, one penned by the determined hands of Reale Mutua Fenera Chieri `76. Their recent triumph over the vaunted Numia Vero Volley Milano wasn`t just a win; it was an emphatic statement, arguably the weekend`s most significant upset.
The Battle of Milan: Chieri`s Tactical Brilliance Against All Odds
Sunday’s clash between Chieri and Milano was nothing short of epic, a five-set marathon that stretched the limits of endurance and skill. Before a captivated home crowd, Chieri, fresh off an opening-day road victory, faced a Milano squad widely regarded as title favorites. The final scoreline – a grueling 36-34, 19-25, 25-23, 16-25, 15-12 – speaks volumes about the sheer intensity of the contest.
Milano, boasting the formidable attacking prowess of Serbian middle blocker Hena Kurtagić and the globally recognized superstar Paola Egonu, was expected to cruise. Egonu, a player whose name is practically synonymous with decisive spikes and game-winning serves, delivered 24 points (23 kills, one ace) of her characteristic brilliance. Yet, even her prodigious talent wasn`t enough to quell the rising tide of Chieri`s resolve.
The turning point, or rather, the consistent pressure, came from Chieri’s recent offseason acquisition, Hungarian opposite Anett Németh. Her performance was a masterclass in offensive execution, tallying an astonishing 29 points (26 kills, two aces, one block) to lead all scorers. Complementing her firepower was the world champion outside hitter Stella Nervini, who contributed 20 crucial points, all from kills. Their synergistic attack demonstrated not just individual talent, but a burgeoning team cohesion that defied Milano’s star power.
“We worked so hard for this,” Németh reportedly celebrated, her words resonating with the collective effort. “We managed to play a great game last week in Firenze, and today we did it again. We’re very happy.”
This victory wasn`t merely about points; it was about resilience. Chieri battled tooth and nail, clawing back from deficits and holding their nerve in pivotal moments. The 36-34 first set alone was a testament to both teams` refusal to yield, setting a precedent for the high-stakes drama that unfolded. It was a performance that served as a stern reminder: in Italian volleyball, the script isn`t always written by the biggest names. Sometimes, the underdogs simply refuse to read it.
The Unbeaten Quartet: Stability Amidst the Shocks
While Chieri stole the headlines, the league`s established heavyweights maintained their impressive starts. Prosecco Doc Imoco Conegliano, the defending champions, mirrored Chieri`s undefeated record, accumulating five points after a dominant sweep (25-18, 25-16, 26-24) against Honda Cuneo Granda Volley. Swedish opposite Isabelle Haak was, predictably, the architect of their success, delivering a commanding 26 points.
Leading the standings with a perfect six points each are Savino Del Bene Scandicci and Igor Gorgonzola Novara. Both teams secured their victories without dropping a single point, showcasing a level of early-season consistency that sets them apart. Scandicci dispatched Bartoccini-Mc Restauri Perugia 3-1, with Olympic champion opposite Ekaterina Antropova contributing 24 points, only to be outscored by Perugia`s Kashauna Williams with 25 – a bittersweet personal triumph in a team defeat.
Novara, playing on their home court, efficiently handled Eurotek Laica UYBA Busto Arsizio with a 3-1 victory. American middle blocker Amber Igiede led their charge with 19 points, ably supported by Japanese outside hitter Mayu Ishikawa`s 17 points. Their strategic play underlines a quiet but effective dominance, proving that sometimes, simply doing your job perfectly is enough drama.
Elsewhere on the Court: Other Notable Victories
The weekend also saw other teams mark their first victories and impressive displays:
- Il Bisonte Firenze fought through a five-set thriller to beat Megabox Ondulati Savio Vallefoglia on the road, powered by Serbian opposite Vanja Bukilić`s incredible 30 points.
- Wash4Green Monviso Volley secured their first win with a clean sweep against CBF Balducci HR Macerata, featuring Adhuoljok Malual`s 18 kills.
- Bergamo delighted their home fans with a 3-0 victory over Omag-Mt San Giovanni In Marignano, with Cuban outside hitter Ailama Cesé leading the score sheet with 18 points.
Looking Ahead: A Season of Intrigue
The rapid pace of the Lega Femminile Serie A1 Tigotà continues unabated, with teams facing a short reprieve before the third leg of matches commences on Wednesday. This early-season intensity, punctuated by Chieri`s stunning upset, suggests a league that will be anything but predictable. For fans, this promises a season rich with tactical battles, emerging stars, and perhaps, more than a few moments where the established order is thrillingly, and quite dramatically, challenged.
The Italian Women`s Volleyball League has already proven itself a crucible of talent and unexpected narratives. One might even muse that the “favorites” label, while often a sign of respect, sometimes serves as a rather tempting target. And Chieri, it seems, has excellent aim.
