In the first match of the third-place playoff match of the Italian Men's Volleyball League, Yuki Ishikawa's Milan team faced Trentino on Wednesday, April 17th (local time) and lost 1-3 (25-23, 18-25, 25-23, 19-25, 11-15).
After the match, we spoke with Ishikawa Yuki's former teammate, Riccardo Sbertoli (setter, Italy) of Trentino.
Comment from Sbertori
Toshiki: How was today's game?
Sbertoli: It was a very difficult match because we played against a very good team. They played very good volleyball in the semifinals. But we stayed focused on our play and won the first match today. It was a big win.
Toshiki: Why do you think the team recovered from the fourth set onwards?
Sbertoli: Because we all wanted to go to a full set and we all came together at that point, which is very important at this stage of the season. We were a bit tired. It was more mental than technical in that set.
Toshiki: Your injury hasn't fully healed yet.
Sbertri: Yes, a broken finger.
Toshiki: What do you think about Acquarone's play, who is now on the court in your place?
Sbertoli: Acquarone is a very good player. Thanks to him, we can play volleyball at this level. I'm very grateful to him. I want to get back on the court with my team because I love them and I love volleyball. I don't know when I'll be able to fully return, but I'll be back soon.
TOSHIKI: Will we be able to return in time for the Champions League final?
Sbertoli: I would like to go back before that, I would like to go back to the third leg of the third place play-off, but of course the Champions League final is our goal.
Toshiki: I'd like to ask you about Ishikawa. You were his teammate during his first year at Milan and you know him well. What do you think has changed between then and now, which is probably his last season at Milan?
Sbertoli: I think Yuki (Ishikawa) has really improved his level. I know him from four years ago when we played together. He was already a very good player then, but now he is one of the best outside hitters in the world. It's fun to play against him. And I'm grateful to Yuki, because we had a great time playing together.
Photo: Author
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