Cuneo (w) vs Busto Arsizio (w) on 31 January
The Women’s Serie A1 volleyball clash between Cuneo (w) and Busto Arsizio (w) on January 31st promises to be an intriguing encounter between two sides with different styles and a shared desire to prove themselves in the latter stages of the season. This highly anticipated fixture, set to take place at the iconic Pala UBI Banca in Cuneo, will not only be a battle for crucial points in the league standings but also an opportunity for both teams to assert their credentials as genuine contenders for the top spots in the Serie A1. With the championship race intensifying and both teams eyeing a potential European spot, expect nothing less than an explosive spectacle where every set and every point could tilt the balance. The stakes are high—who will emerge victorious in this thrilling matchup?
Cuneo (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Cuneo (w) enters this match in strong form, having claimed 4 wins in their last 5 outings, including an impressive victory over Monza. Under the leadership of head coach Matteo Bertini, they’ve developed a solid and consistent style, emphasizing strong defensive systems combined with rapid counterattacks. Their key tactical approach lies in the efficiency of their serve-receive structure and their explosive transition game. The team relies heavily on quick transitions from defense to attack, aiming to capitalize on opponent mistakes and break their rhythm. Statistically, Cuneo’s reception efficiency stands at a notable 72%, with an attack conversion rate of 40%. These numbers demonstrate their discipline in receiving serves and transitioning the ball effectively into offensive setups.
At the core of Cuneo’s gameplay is their captain and star outside hitter, Elena Pietrini. She has been in excellent form, averaging 4.2 points per set over the last 5 matches, and her attacking prowess will be key to unpicking Busto Arsizio’s defense. However, Cuneo's real strength lies in their balanced offensive threat, with multiple players capable of contributing—ranging from Pietrini’s hard-hitting attacks to middle blockers such as Laura Heyrman, who can dominate at the net. The blocking unit, one of the best in the league with an average of 3.1 blocks per set, will be essential in stifling Busto Arsizio’s powerful attackers.
The injury concerns surrounding their libero, Sara Loda, could have an impact on their passing stability, but if she recovers in time, her impeccable reading of the game will provide a much-needed defensive backbone. With Loda’s leadership at the back, Cuneo’s defense will look to control the rhythm of the match, setting up their attack at will.
Busto Arsizio (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Busto Arsizio (w) will enter the match with a chip on their shoulder, having suffered a narrow defeat to Scandicci in their most recent encounter. However, they are well-positioned for a comeback, having secured 3 wins in their last 5 matches. Busto’s system revolves around a well-rounded offense, with a high reliance on their star setter, Noemi Signorile, who creates precise sets for their dynamic outside hitter, Paola Egonu. Signorile’s ability to spread the offense and set up attackers in high-percentage situations has made Busto Arsizio one of the most efficient teams in the league with a 42% attack conversion rate. Their strength lies in their ability to create quick attacks from various angles, relying on tempo changes to keep the opposition on the back foot.
Busto’s biggest threat remains the powerhouse Egonu, who leads the team with an outstanding 5.8 points per set and a fearsome spike efficiency of 45%. Her ability to dominate in both high-ball situations and off-speed shots will be key in breaking down Cuneo’s block. Additionally, the team has a solid serving game, with an average of 2.5 aces per set, often putting pressure on opponents from the service line. Their primary weakness, however, has been their reception under pressure—though their passing has been relatively solid with a 70% reception accuracy, it can falter against aggressive servers.
Busto’s blocking defense has also been an area of improvement. They average 2.3 blocks per set, which puts them in the middle of the pack in Serie A1. If they are to neutralize Cuneo’s offensive threats, especially the sharp attacking runs from Pietrini, their blockers will need to step up. With the team’s libero, Cristina Chirichella, likely to be unavailable due to a shoulder injury, Busto’s defense will be tested, and the replacement will need to deliver a flawless performance.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In their last 5 encounters, Cuneo and Busto Arsizio have often played close, hard-fought matches. Their last meeting in the 2025 season saw Cuneo narrowly edge Busto 3-2, with a final set scoreline that showcased both teams’ resilience. Historically, Cuneo has enjoyed the upper hand, winning 3 of the last 5 encounters. Busto Arsizio, however, will be keen to erase that memory and put together a better performance in this pivotal fixture. The psychological factor could play a role, as Cuneo has historically shown a more consistent approach under pressure, whereas Busto has struggled to close tight games in recent seasons. This dynamic sets the stage for a fascinating encounter, as both teams will look to exude dominance early on to assert their intentions.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One of the critical matchups in this fixture will be the battle between Cuneo’s middle blockers and Busto Arsizio’s outside hitter, Paola Egonu. Egonu’s attacking veracity and her ability to score from all areas of the court will be directly tested by the physicality and timing of Cuneo’s block. If Cuneo can effectively neutralize her offensive impact through well-timed blocks, it could tilt the match in their favor. A second pivotal battle will occur at the net between Cuneo’s libero and Busto’s hitters. The performance of Cuneo’s passing unit, particularly Loda’s ability to pick up tough serves and keep the ball in system, will determine their offensive flow and rhythm.
Additionally, Busto Arsizio’s ability to exploit Cuneo’s vulnerable reception unit will be crucial. If they can target weak spots in the passing formation, especially during critical service rotations, they could gain the upper hand in setting tempo and exploiting gaps in Cuneo’s defensive system.
Match Scenario and Prediction
The most likely scenario will see a fast-paced encounter, with both teams focusing on exploiting weaknesses in the opposition’s reception and defense. Expect a high number of attacks from the outside positions, with Cuneo’s disciplined block-and-transition game trying to counter Busto’s aggressive offensive setups through Egonu. A tight opening set will likely follow, with both teams looking to settle into their rhythms. From there, the battle will become a war of attrition, as Cuneo looks to control tempo through their defensive solidity, while Busto will seek to overpower their opposition through sheer offensive firepower.
Given Cuneo’s strong blocking game and Busto’s defensive vulnerability in the absence of Chirichella, I predict a narrow Cuneo win in four sets. Cuneo’s defense will prove key, as they frustrate Busto’s attacking flow in critical moments, while Pietrini and Heyrman will stand tall as offensive threats in transition.
Final Thoughts
The match between Cuneo and Busto Arsizio will undoubtedly come down to tactical execution and defensive prowess. Cuneo’s superior blocking and defensive organization will be the deciding factors, while Busto will need to unleash their attacking firepower and adjust to Cuneo’s pressure tactics. The outcome of this match will answer one key question: can Busto Arsizio overcome their mental block in tight matches, or will Cuneo continue to show their resilience and depth to claim victory?
