Italian
The women’s national volleyball team beats China 3-1 (25-16; 23-25; 25-22; 25-13) and wins the bronze medal in this edition of the VNL
MACAO (CHINA) – The third consecutive victory didn’t happen, but an important medal was still achieved. The ItalVolley women’s team quickly rebounds from the semifinal loss in a tiebreak against Brazil and secures the bronze by defeating the home team China 3-1 (25-16; 23-25; 25-22; 25-13).
At the East Asian Games in Macao, the Azzurre return to being the crushing machine that dominated Europe and the World for two years, and they hang yet another medal around their necks. Once again, Antropova delivered a standout performance with 23 points, along with Fahr (13) and Nervini (11). Important points also came from debutant Meli (7).
Now the Azzurre will have a few days off before gathering again for the preparation of the European Championships that will take place from August 21 to September 6.
The scorecard
ITALY – CHINA 3-1 (25-16; 23-25; 25-22; 25-13)
ITALY: Sylla 6, Danesi 2, Antropova 23, Nervini 11, Fahr 13, Orro 5, Fersino (L), Egonu 1, Giovannini, Spirito, Omoruyi 7, Meli 7, Cambi. N.E.: Nwakalor. Coach: Velasco
CHINA: Tang 9, Wang Y. 11, Gong 10, Zhuang 14, Wang A. 7, Xie, Wang M. (L), Diao 3, Chen 1, Yang, Li 1, Guo, Feifan. N.E.: Zhang. Coach: Zhao
Referees: Yuliya Akulova (KAZ) and Ksenija Jurkovic (CRO)
Duration: 25’, 29’, 27’,
Italy: a 8, bs 7, m 5, e.t. 19.
China: a 4, bs 6, m 11, e.t. 28.
The statements
These are the words of the coach Julio Velasco: “Yesterday was a tough loss but only in the tiebreak, this must be remembered, especially against Brazil which is one of the strongest teams in the world. It’s understandable to lose at this level even though I am happy with how we reacted today and won. I am happy for the girls because it was important to close this VNL with a smile as it comes at the end of 24 days spent away from home, a situation that is not easy to manage and that I usually avoid but which became necessary due to the international situation that advised us to stay in Asia after the stop in Hong Kong. I am very proud of the group for this, and yesterday after the loss I told the girls that they never gave up and this is the solid foundation on which we will build the second part of the summer. We didn’t play very well, they know it too, but we never gave up and this is an aspect I stand by and that I also saw in the match lost against Brazil. Today, however, we played better, certainly against a team not at Brazil’s level, but we did much better. The VNL concludes and I believe we return to Italy with a very positive balance. Four key players enjoyed a longer vacation considering Monica De Gennaro’s farewell to the national team. Yet we managed to play a complete stage and the finals of this VNL and this could be very important looking ahead to the Europeans. We need to work even though today we glimpsed some important and encouraging individual improvements while others still lack their best rhythm. After years of great stress, it was right to give these girls an extra period of rest and the mere fact that they were here with us training and playing makes me think we will arrive at the European Championship in excellent condition.”
Alessia Orro – “It was difficult after yesterday’s defeat, but I never doubted the mentality of this group and that we would come back stronger than before. It’s wrong to think that you can always win, especially after two years like the ones we’ve left behind; a setback was bound to happen sooner or later. That said, I believe it’s important to highlight how we managed to come through, even tonight, from the difficult moments of the match. We stayed focused, fighting for every ball. I am really happy for the contribution that came today from those who may not always be on the field. I am very pleased that a well-deserved opportunity came along, which they were able to make the most of.”
Denise Meli: “Beautiful and incredible to have won this medal with such a strong team and such exceptional teammates. It was important to bounce back immediately after yesterday’s defeat, and I believe we did it wonderfully. I am very happy to have made a small contribution, although we must immediately think about the future and what awaits us from tomorrow. Finally, I want to dedicate this bronze to my grandmother.”
Photo & Video Credits: Federvolley.it
