Scandicci (w) vs Le Cannet (w) on 14 January
On January 14th, 2026, Scandicci (w) and Le Cannet (w) will meet in what promises to be an exhilarating encounter in the Women’s Volleyball tournament. With the stakes high, both teams will be looking to assert their dominance as they battle for positioning in the league. For Scandicci, the upcoming match is a chance to extend their solid form, while Le Cannet will be aiming to reclaim their momentum. The match is set to take place at the PalaVerde in Treviso, Italy, with an expected high-energy atmosphere. A win here will be critical in shaping their aspirations for a top-tier finish, and the tension on court will be palpable.
Scandicci (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Scandicci (w) has been in impressive form recently, with four wins and a narrow loss in their last five matches. They come into this contest with a well-balanced, high-paced style of play that focuses on aggressive attacking and solid blocking defense. Their tactical setup often revolves around a dynamic offensive game, led by their star outside hitter, Kaja Grobelna, who has been pivotal in both offense and transition play. Statistically, Scandicci ranks among the top teams in hitting efficiency, posting an attack success rate of 48.7% in their recent matches. Their service game is also a weapon, as they consistently rank high in aces, averaging 2.3 aces per set.
One of the key features of their system is their strong middle-blocker duo, consisting of Marta Bechis and Melisa Cakmakli. These two players form an impenetrable wall at the net, providing critical points through both blocks and well-timed attacks. Bechis, in particular, is exceptional at reading the opposition’s attack patterns, making her one of the standout players for Scandicci this season. Their defense has been solid, too, with libero Sofia Diouf handling the backcourt duties with remarkable precision. However, Scandicci’s key challenge will be to maintain consistency and avoid lapses in concentration, particularly in critical moments.
Currently, Scandicci is in excellent form and should enter the match with confidence, but they’ll need to manage their service errors—averaging 2.5 per set—which could be costly against a high-level opponent like Le Cannet.
Le Cannet (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Le Cannet (w), on the other hand, has experienced a somewhat turbulent recent run with three wins and two losses in their last five outings. However, their high potential and tactical flexibility have kept them in the hunt for a top-four finish. Their style of play revolves around quick set transitions and explosive power attacks, spearheaded by their dominant outside hitter, Brankica Mihajlović, who has been one of the most consistent attackers in the tournament. Le Cannet ranks fifth in the competition for kill percentage, with an impressive 47.1% attack efficiency. Their overall offensive approach is direct and fast-paced, leveraging the quick tempo and high ball placement to destabilize opposing defenses.
Le Cannet’s defensive system, while solid, is built around a more reactive strategy. Their setter, Maja Poljak, often initiates quick plays and fast sets to the outside, which allows their attackers to take risks and execute high-percentage shots. However, their primary focus will be to contain Scandicci’s attacking power, especially with the exceptional blocking capabilities of Cakmakli and Bechis in the middle. Le Cannet’s service reception has been a notable strength, as they’ve been ranked in the top three for pass quality, which will be crucial in receiving Scandicci's powerful serves. But they will need to ensure their own service game stays sharp and effective—currently averaging 1.7 aces per set, which is slightly below the competition’s top-tier teams.
Le Cannet will need a strong contribution from their libero, Cristina Chirichella, whose experience will be vital in keeping the team calm under pressure and maintaining steady reception and defensive coverage throughout the match. Injuries are not a significant concern for Le Cannet at the moment, although the form of key players like Mihajlović and Poljak will be essential in determining how they fare against Scandicci’s top-ranked offense.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The last three encounters between Scandicci and Le Cannet have been fiercely contested, with both teams sharing victories. In their most recent matchup earlier this season, Scandicci triumphed in a thrilling 3-2 victory, largely due to their resilience and tactical maturity in the final set. This result will weigh heavily on Le Cannet’s mindset going into the game, and they will be eager to take revenge. Historically, Scandicci has enjoyed a slight edge in their recent meetings, thanks to their consistent defensive performance and powerful serving game.
Psychologically, Scandicci will look to build on their recent success, knowing that a win would not only boost their morale but also help secure their position at the top of the standings. Conversely, Le Cannet’s recent struggles have put pressure on them to perform, and they will come into the match with a chip on their shoulder, determined to prove that they can compete at the highest level. The outcome of this clash will likely depend on which team is able to execute their game plan with greater consistency, especially in the latter stages of each set.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
1. **Outside hitter duel: Kaja Grobelna (Scandicci) vs Brankica Mihajlović (Le Cannet)** – Both players are offensive powerhouses for their respective teams and their individual performances will be pivotal in determining the outcome. Grobelna has been instrumental in Scandicci’s success, while Mihajlović will be central to Le Cannet’s hopes of overcoming Scandicci’s strong defense. This head-to-head will be a fascinating contest of power and precision on the attack.
2. **Middle blockers battle: Marta Bechis & Melisa Cakmakli (Scandicci) vs Le Cannet’s Blockers** – The clash of the middle blockers will be crucial, as both teams rely on their defensive strategies to neutralize opposing attacks. Bechis and Cakmakli have been dominant at the net, and Le Cannet’s blockers will need to step up to prevent Scandicci from exploiting the middle zone. How well each team defends and transitions from defense to attack will shape the flow of the match.
3. **Setter duel: Sofia Diouf (Scandicci) vs Maja Poljak (Le Cannet)** – The setters’ ability to execute fast, high-quality sets will dictate the tempo and flow of the match. Poljak’s quick decision-making will be tested by the pressure from Scandicci’s well-organized block, while Diouf will need to vary her play to keep Le Cannet’s blockers guessing. This tactical battle will be critical to unlocking the offensive potential of both teams.
Match Scenario and Prediction
The most likely match scenario will see Scandicci controlling large portions of the game with their well-rounded team dynamic, strong defense, and disciplined offensive tactics. They will likely hold an advantage in the initial exchanges, but Le Cannet’s speed and power game could allow them to take advantage of any lapses in concentration from Scandicci. The match will be a high-intensity affair with moments of brilliance from both sides. I anticipate that the first set will be tightly contested, but Scandicci will pull ahead in the second and third sets. A crucial factor will be whether Le Cannet can find consistency in their service and reception game.
Prediction: Scandicci to win 3-1.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, this match will be determined by which team can better execute their game plan under pressure. Scandicci’s superior blocking and defensive structure, coupled with their attacking depth, makes them slight favorites. However, Le Cannet has the firepower to spring an upset if they can impose their quick tempo and explosive offense. The battle between Grobelna and Mihajlović will be one to watch, and the key tactical question this match will answer is whether Le Cannet can cope with the defensive strength of Scandicci or if their offensive firepower will be enough to break through.
Who will come out on top in this high-stakes encounter? Only time will tell, but it’s sure to be an epic contest!
