In a stunning display of volleyball excellence, Rana Verona etched their name into Italian volleyball history on February 8, 2026, capturing their first-ever Coppa Italia SuperLega title with a merciless 3-0 demolition of powerhouse Itas Trentino Trento at the Unipol Arena in Casalecchio di Reno near Bologna.
The sold-out crowd of more than 9,000 fans bore witness to a masterclass performance as Verona dispatched the reigning Italian champions in straight sets, winning 25-21, 25-22, and 25-20 in a match that never truly felt in doubt. The victory marked a remarkable redemption for the club, which finished as runners-up just last year after falling to Cucine Lube Civitanova in the final.
American setter Micah Christenson, the 32-year-old orchestrator of Verona's attack, was deservedly named the Most Valuable Player of the competition. His precise distribution and tactical acumen kept Trentino's vaunted defense guessing throughout the contest, enabling his hitters to find gaps with clinical efficiency.
Malian outside hitter Noumory Keita proved unstoppable from the service line and at the net, finishing as the match's top scorer with 15 points, including three aces that consistently disrupted Trentino's reception. Brazilian opposite Darlan Souza complemented the offensive effort with 12 points at a remarkable 71 percent attack success rate, demonstrating the kind of efficiency that championship teams require.
Slovenian captain Rok Mozic, though contributing nine points to the scoreboard, saved his most crucial moment for last, delivering the match-winning pipe shot that sent the Verona faithful into jubilant celebration. The point punctuated a performance that had been building throughout an extraordinary tournament run.
Verona's path to glory was paved with a semifinal triumph that few had predicted. The club stunned the volleyball world by eliminating Sir Susa Scai Perugia, the reigning club world and European champions, also in straight sets. That victory served notice that Verona was not merely content with participation but had arrived with championship intentions.
For Trentino, despite their pedigree as reigning Italian league champions, the afternoon proved frustrating. French opposite Theo Faure battled valiantly with 13 points and an ace, while Spanish outside hitter Jordi Ramon added 10 points including three aces. However, their efforts could not overcome Verona's relentless pressure and superior execution on the day.
The triumph represents a watershed moment for Rana Verona, a club that has steadily built toward this breakthrough. After the heartbreak of last year's final defeat, the organization regrouped and returned with renewed determination. Head coach Radostin Stoytchev's tactical preparation proved impeccable, as his squad executed their game plan to perfection against one of Italy's most storied programs.
As the confetti settled on the Unipol Arena floor and Christenson hoisted the MVP trophy, the significance of the achievement was not lost on anyone present. Rana Verona had not merely won a trophy; they had announced themselves as legitimate contenders in Italian volleyball's elite tier.
With the Coppa Italia now secured, attention will inevitably turn to the remainder of the SuperLega season, where Verona will look to build on this momentum. If their cup campaign is any indication, the traditional powers of Italian volleyball would be wise to take notice. A new force has emerged, and they have proven they can deliver when the stakes are highest.
Volleyball
Rana Verona Claims Historic First Coppa Italia Title with Dominant Victory Over Trentino
📅 Published on February 10, 2026 at 8:00 AM