Member Associations | 18 Mar 2024

Italian Cup trophy for Apuania Carrara

Apuania Carrara lifted their fifth Italian Cup trophy in front of their fans, marking a special achievement in the club's history. This victory adds to their previous wins in 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2023. The club, led by president Guglielmo BELLOTTI, achieved their goal in front of their supporters, defeating Top Spin Messina WatchesTogether 3-0 in the finals. Marcozzi Cagliari lost 3-1 to the Sicilian team in the semifinals and secured third place.

In the opening doubles match, Mihai BOBOCICA and Tomislav PUCAR defeated Antonino AMATO and Niagol STOYANOV in straight games.

The first singles match between Andrej GACINA and Tommaso GIOVANNETTI was closely contested, with the player from Apuania Carrara emerging victorious in the fifth and decisive set.

Similarly, the match between PUCAR and STOYANOV was tightly contested in the first three games, but PUCAR dominated the fourth game, securing victory with a 10-0 lead and converting the second match point.

"Obviously," said Apuania Carrara coach Claudio VOLPI, who led the team alongside manager Alessandro MERCIADRI, "the 3-0 scoreline does not accurately reflect the players' abilities on the court, but matches are decided by details. GACINA's victory in the sudden death fifth set was pivotal. We performed well in the doubles, exceeding our expectations. The second singles match was thrilling, with PUCAR and STOYANOV evenly matched in the first three sets. However, PUCAR elevated his game in the fourth set, demonstrating remarkable skill. Despite this victory, every encounter starts from scratch, and each match is a battle that could go either way. Table tennis demands intense concentration, and a match can be lost in a matter of seconds due to a lapse in focus. Playing at home adds pressure, but winning in front of our supporters is incredibly satisfying."

The semifinals

Top Spin Messina WatchesTogether - Marcozzi Cagliari 3-1

Antonino AMATO/Niagol STOYANOV - SUN Shiyu/Federico VALLINO COSTASSA 3-1 (11-9, 11-5, 4-11, 11-7)

Matteo MUTTI - Jorge CAMPOS 2-3 (9-11, 11-8, 11-4, 7-11, 5-6)

Niagol STOYANOV - Federico VALLINO COSTASSA 3-1 (11-7, 11-13, 11-5, 11-2)

Matteo MUTTI - SUN Shiyu 3-0 (12-10, 11-4, 11-0)

The finals

Apuania Carrara - Top Spin Messina WachesTogether 3-0

Mihai BOBOCICA/Tomislav PUCAR - Antonino AMATO/Niagol STOYANOV 3-0 (11-6, 11-6, 11-4)

Andrej GACINA - Tommaso GIOVANNETTI 3-2 (13-11, 9-11, 11-9, 11-13, 6-5)

Tomislav PUCAR - Niagol STOYANOV 3-1 (11-13, 11-9, 13-11, 11-1)