Photo Credit: Aleš Oblak/OZS
CEV, Luxembourg. If you can’t fight them, join them, goes the adage. And A. Carraro Imoco Conegliano lost Champions League finals to Kim Hill’s VakifBank Istanbul in 2017 and to Paola Egonu’s Igor Gorgonzola Novara in 2019. So Conegliano now have both superstars on board as they emabrk on their quest to claim the only major club competition title that still eludes them.
But it’s hardly going to be easy for the reigning world champions.
The latest episode of the ongoing rivalry between Turkish and Italian clubs is about to be played out in Treviso this week in Pool B of the Women’s CEV Champions League, when Conegliano host Istanbul’s Fenerbahce Opet.
Photo Credit: Calcit Volley KAMNIK
Both have been crowned world champions in their illustrious histories: Conegliano in 2019 (the last Club World Championship to be played before the cancellation of the 2020 edition due to the coronavirus) and Fenerbahce in 2010. In addition, the Turkish side also hold a Champions League trophy from 2012.
“It will be an amazing challenge,” said Conegliano coach Daniele Santarelli. “We are excited to play against one of the top teams of this Champions League.”
Conegliano are virtually unchanged from last season’s winning formula that worked a treat until the Champions League was so rudely interrupted. They’re currently leading the table in the Italian League on a 12-0 record – the only undefeated side in the competition. And middle blocker Sarah Fahr, the club’s only addition for this season, seems to be nicely settling in.
On the other hand, Fenerbahce have lost their two American stars, Jordan Thompson (who moved cross-town to Eczacibasi) and Kelsey Robinson (a former Conegliano player who is now in China). But they currently trail (by three points) VakifBank Istanbul in the standings of the Turkish League.
The other question Pool B poses is whether France’s VB Nantes can make an impact. In the third Champions League appearance, the current leaders of the French League will theoretically be looking at making the quarterfinals for the first time – though against the likes of Conegliano and Fenerbahce that’s a huge ask.
VB Nantes will be hosting the second leg of Pool B in late January.
Slovenia’s reigning national champions and current table leaders Calcit Kamnik round up the Pool B lineup, having stepped in to replace legendary Uralochka Ekaterinburg who withdrew from the competition due to coronavirus-related travel difficulties.
This is Calcit’s second venture in the Champions League, after their first appearance five years ago. They are still seeking their first win – indeed, their first set in the competition.
Full matches can be seen onEurovolley.tv
“It was my first season in Calcit Volley,” reminisced opposite Olivera Kostic of Serbia of that 2015-16 campaign. “It’s true that we didn’t win a set in six games, as we played against top teams, but competing at such a high level helped us conquer both the Middle European [MEVZA] League and the domestic championship that season.”
“Our pool is very strong, but in the Champions League any pool would be strong for us anyway,” added Calcit captain Eva Pogacar. “I think we will look for our opportunity in the match against Nantes, because Conegliano are the first favourite for me to win the Champions League, and Fenerbahce have been playing in it for more than a decade. But in any case, we will not go to any match waving a white flag.”
News:
CEV – European Volleyball
OZS – Volleyball Federation of Slovenia
Calcit Volley KAMNIK
