Havana, December 9 (RHC) - Italy's Trentino and Perugia debuted on Thursday with victories at the Men's Volleyball Club World Championship in Betim, Brazil.
Trentino edged 3-1 over Paykan Club of Iran, while Perugia swept Vôlei Renata of Brazil.
Bulgarian veteran Matey Kaziyski led Trentino's offense against the Iranians, scoring 23 points, while for Perugia Wilfredo Leon scored 13 points and Kamil Rychlicki (12), with excellent driving from World Championship MVP Simone Giannelli.
Defending champions Sada Cruzeiro of Cuban Miguel Angel Lopez and fellow Brazilian Itambé Minas, who had defeated the same opponents on Wednesday, also have guaranteed spots in the semifinals.
The semifinal clashes will be determined this Friday, at the conclusion of the first phase, after Trentino and Minas and Perugia and Sada Cruzeiro.
The semifinals will take place on Saturday while the final will be on Sunday.