Both teams demonstrated their outstanding class in front of more than 4’500 delighted fans and supporters in Cannes’ Palais des Victoires as hosts Racing Club de Cannes took bronze. "After having won the first two sets, we were not focused a 100% anymore," MVP, Bergamo captain and Italian international Francesca Piccinini said. "But we didn't let loose even when it was not easy to bounce back in the fifth set. It is a great feeling to give the club the seventh medal in the history of Champions League." Coach Lorenzo Micelli added: "There were three phases of the game: the first two sets, then set No. 3 and 4, and finally the tiebreak. Istanbul felt a little bit tired after their epic semifinal, that's why we started with a small advantage. I told my players to keep calm. They showed a perfect mentality, and deserved finally to win. I'm sure the audience saw the best two teams in Europe." Jan De Brandt, coach of Fenerbahce Acibadem Istanbul, explained: "Bergamo knows how to play a final, even when they have to go to a tiebreak. This was perfect publicity for Volleyball today. I'm also very proud of my players and my staff, they did a great job during this weekend. Bergamo had an outstanding defence, it was almost impossible to score easy points. That's why my players felt tired at the end." RC Cannes took the bronze medal by beating Asystel Novara in straight sets (26-24, 25-19, 25-18. Best players: Most Valuable Player: Francesca Piccinini (Volley Bergamo) Best Scorer: Ekaterina Gamova (Fenerbahce Acibadem Istanbul) Best Spiker: Nadia Centoni (Rc Cannes) Best Server: Natasa Osmokrovic (Fenerbahce Acibadem Istanbul) Best Blocker: Victoria Raava (Rc Cannes) Best Receiver: Antonella Del Core (Volley Bergamo) Best Libero: Enrica Merlo (Volley Bergamo) Best Setter: Eleonora Lo Bianco (Volley Bergmao) For more info visit the CEV website here |