Men's CEV: The Allianz Milano loses the first leg of the playoff against Ankara.

The first leg of the playoff between Halkbank Ankara and Allianz Milano ends 3-1 in favor of the Turks with partial scores of 25-27, 25-16, 25-21, 33-31. Coach Piazza's team is called to the feat in the return match to reach the quarterfinals.

Halkbank Ankara-Allianz Milano 3-1

At the beginning of the first set, Allianz Milano fails to express its volleyball in the best way, remaining behind until 18-17 for the Turks; in the final, Coach Piazza's team manages to recover, taking the lead to 18-19, but immediately suffers a counter-comeback. At 24-23, Milano cancels the set point for Ankara and takes the match to advantages. Allianz wins the first set with a partial score of 25-27 thanks to an exciting second part.

In the second set Ankara started very strong, reaching a partial score of 13-5. Milano does not respond, in fact, it seems she did not even come on the field. The second set goes to the Turks who take the score to 1-1 with the partial score of 25-16.

In the third set The Allianz Milano comes back to get closer, but the Turks take the lead from the start and can no longer be reached. Halkbank Ankara wins the set with a partial score of 25-21 making it 2-1.

In the fourth set, coach Piazza's team returns to playing as they know how and maintains an average advantage of two points over their opponents until 21-19. Ankara recovers and takes the lead to 21-21 with the aim of closing the match. A set that after the set point wasted by Milano, continues to the advantages. Halkbank Ankara also wins the fourth set with the partial of 33-31 and wins the match 3-1.  

The return match between Allianz Milano-Halkbank Ankara will be played on Tuesday 25 February at the Arena in Busto Arsizio.