Member Associations | 16 May 2023

Apuania Carrara celebrates their sixth title in the Italian championship.

Apuania Carrara has regained the top spot in the Men's Italian Championship. They defeated the reigning champions, Top Spin Messina WatchesTogether, and secured their sixth title in the last ten years. Their previous victories came in 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2021, making them the most successful club. The trophy was presented by Renato Di NAPOLI, the President of FITeT.

In the first leg of the finals, which took place in Messina, Apuania Carrara showcased outstanding performances by the Croatian player, Tomislav PUCAR. He won in straight games against the brothers Leonardo and Matteo MUTTI. Additionally, Andrej GACINA of Croatia, didn't give Matteo MUTTI any chance. Portugal's João MONTEIRO managed to win against BOBOCICA with a score of 3-2 and also against GACINA with a score of 3-1, keeping his team in the race. However, in the last singles match, BOBOCICA, competing against Leonardo MUTTI, secured the decisive point for Apuania Carrara.

In the second leg, GACINA started strong by defeating MONTEIRO 3-0, while Matteo MUTTI saved two match-points in the fifth game against BOBOCICA. The following two matches were intense, and both PUCAR and GACINA had to fight hard to overcome Marco RECH DALDOSSO (3-0) and MUTTI (3-1) respectively. The contest concluded when MONTEIRO withdrew against PUCAR.

"We are truly delighted," commented Guglielmo BELLOTTI, the President of Apuania Carrara. "We have accomplished another great achievement, making us the most successful club in Italy. This match against Top Spin Messina was yet another battle, just like the previous ones. We had a good start thanks to GACINA, who played exceptionally well and got his revenge against MONTEIRO, who had defeated him in the first leg. BOBOCICA also had the chance to win, but he missed two match-points against Matteo MUTTI. PUCAR has once again proven to be in fantastic form, and Andrej secured the decisive point for us. My applause goes to all of them, as well as to Lubomir PISTEJ and Andrea PUPPO, who made significant contributions throughout the season. I also want to acknowledge Claudio VOLPI and Alessandro MERCIADRI for leading the team during this triumphant year. Let's not forget that this is our third trophy, following the Italian Cup and the Super Cup. Now it's time to celebrate."

First leg

TOP SPIN MESSINA WATCHESTOGETHER - APUANIA CARRARA 2-4

Matteo MUTTI - Andrej GACINA 0-3 (7-11, 5-11, 7-11)

Leonardo MUTTI - Tomislav PUCAR 0-3 (7-11, 5-11, 4-11)

João MONTEIRO - Mihai BOBOCICA 3-2 (11-7, 9-11, 11-8, 9-11, 14-12)

Matteo MUTTI - Tomislav PUCAR 0-3 (3-11, 4-11, 2-11)

João MONTEIRO - Andrej GACINA 3-1 (11-4, 11-4, 3-11, 11-8)

Leonardo MUTTI - Mihai BOBOCICA 1-3 (9-11, 12-10, 12-14, 6-11)

Second leg

APUANIA CARRARA - TOP SPIN MESSINA WATCHESTOGETHER 4-1

Andrej GACINA - Joao MONTEIRO 3-0 (12-10, 11-9, 11-8)

Mihai BOBOCICA - Matteo MUTTI 2-3 (11-9, 9-11, 12-10, 9-11, 10-12)

Tomislav PUCAR - Marco RECH DALDOSSO 3-0 (11-8, 11-9, 11-9)

Andrej GACINA - Matteo MUTTI 3-1 (11-8, 9-11, 11-8, 11-9)

Tomislav PUCAR - João MONTEIRO 3-0 (11-1, 11-0, 11-0)