Haching face huge Italian job

Munich - Generali Haching will host the heavily favored Bre Banca Lannutti Cuneo of Italy in their first group match of the Champions League.  First serve tonight 20:00 at the Generali Sport Arena.

Playing at home for Haching could be the secret weapon against the three-time European champions and last year's Italian league runner-up.

Last year the Bavarians won all three of their group matches played in Unterhaching.  And this year, Haching have yet to lose a set at home and have won all their league matches to claim the top of the table.

Cuneo have also won all 4 games played in Serie A, however sit only in third place in the Italian league table.

Haching’s captain Max Günthör believes "the group stage is more difficult than last year" because of Cuneo.  But also in the group are Stade Poitevin Poitiers (French league champs), and Jihostroj Ceské Budejovice (Czech Republic league and cup winners).

Christian Dünnes, who played 4 years in Italy with Piacenza knows the opponents well.  "We played against Cuneo and lost very often to them," recalls Dünnes.  "They have exceptional players throughout the lineup, and I am sure they have become stronger."

Cuneo can rely on one of the best setters in the world, Serbian Nikola Grbic.  Along with him, dangerous players on the squad include French internationals Earvin Ngapeth and Hubert Henno, and Leandro Vissotto Neves from Brazil.  All of them are heavily decorated with championships and are popular back home.

After the match tonight, Haching will play return to the Sport Arena against EnBW TV Rottenburg. First serve 16:00.