Italian
PHUKET (THAILAND) – A strong debut for Italy’s women’s national volleyball team at the World Championship in Thailand. On the opening day of Pool B in Phuket, the Azzurre defeated Slovakia with a clear 3-0 victory (25-21; 25-14; 25-17).
This marks Italy’s 30th consecutive win in official matches, placing them at the top of the group alongside Belgium, who also swept Cuba 3-0. The Italians will next face the Central Americans on Sunday, August 24 at 12:00 CET, live on Rai 2, RaiPlay, and DAZN.
The Match
Italy started the tournament with Orro as setter, Egonu as opposite, Nervini and Sylla on the outside, Fahr and Danesi in the middle, and De Gennaro as libero. Slovakia lined up with Kosekova as setter, Sunderlikova as opposite, Herelova and Hrusecka in the middle, Sepelova and Palgutova as outside hitters, and Jancova as libero.
The opening set was balanced, point for point, until Italy pulled ahead 10-6, prompting Slovak coach Masek to call a timeout. Despite Slovakia’s solid defense, the gap widened to 17-12, but a few Italian errors allowed the Slovaks back to within two points. Coach Velasco stopped play, and the adjustment worked: points from Fahr, a Slovak error by Sepelova, and a setter’s second touch from Orro pushed Italy ahead 19-16.
Sunderlikova responded with a diagonal spike and an ace for 20-19, but then missed her serve. Hrusecka followed with a ball out of bounds, and Fahr secured the 23-19. After two more Slovak points, a video challenge confirmed an Italian point for 24-21, and Italy closed the set 25-21.
In the second set, Italy showed far more determination. With captain Danesi at the net, Nervini’s block, and attacks from Egonu and Nervini again, they stormed ahead 4-0. A timeout by Masek didn’t help, as Italy ran to 10-0. Palgutova finally scored Slovakia’s first point, but the set was already decided. Italy comfortably closed it 25-14, with late substitutions including Cambi, Antropova, and Giovannini.
The third set began evenly at 3-3, but Italy again surged forward thanks to Nervini, Sylla, Fahr, and Egonu (8-5). Slovakia’s only consistent scorer was Sunderlikova, who kept her side alive until 13-10. Then Italy accelerated once more with Nervini and Egonu leading the way to 18-11. Slovakia had no response, and the Italians sealed the match 25-17.
Reactions
Head coach Julio Velasco after the match:
“It was the first match of a World Championship, and even those with experience felt it. For those making their debut, the approach was excellent. Nervini, for example, looked like a veteran, and the other newcomers also did very well. Mentally, the team is in a good place. Of course, against teams with different styles of play, such as Slovakia compared to the VNL Finals, some challenges were expected.
Slovakia, despite their physicality, play a unique style with a lot of tip shots, attacks off the block, and lower trajectories. That can cause problems at times. But in general, in all the other opening matches of this World Championship, the underdog played strong first sets. Eventually, though, the real balance of power came through, as it did here in Phuket.
We chose to arrive in Thailand right before the tournament started, because waiting around here for three weeks would have been too long. This is a long and tough competition, and we have to live it step by step.”
Middle blocker Sarah Fahr added:
“We’re very happy with this match. Winning was important to break the ice in such a big competition. I have to admit that hearing the anthem was pure emotion — we said to ourselves that we want to enjoy this experience, have fun, and take it step by step. We played a solid match that helps us in the standings. But now we need to immediately turn the page and focus on the next match against Cuba.”
Box Score
ITALY – SLOVAKIA 3-0 (25-21; 25-14; 25-17)
ITALY: Egonu 16, Nervini 10, Fahr 6, Orro 4, Sylla 4, Danesi 5, De Gennaro (L), Cambi, Antropova 3, Omoruyi 2, Giovannini 1. DNP: Fersino, Sartori (L), Akrari. Coach: Velasco.
SLOVAKIA: Sepelova 3, Herelova 3, Sunderlikova 12, Palgutova 5, Hrusecka 5, Kosekova, Jancova (L), Jelinkova, Fricova, Kohutova, Kohutova, Magdinova (L). DNP: Elteltova, Smieskova. Coach: Masek.
Referees: Wang Ziling (CHN), Sarikaya Ozan Cagi (TUR)
Duration: 22’, 20’, 20’.
Stats – Italy: Aces 2, Errors on serve 7, Blocks 7, Errors in play 19. Slovakia: Aces 2, Errors on serve 7, Blocks 1, Errors in play 29.
Italy’s Schedule – Pool B
- Italy – Slovakia 3-0 (25-21; 25-14; 25-17)
- August 24, 12:00 CET: Italy – Cuba (Rai 2, RaiPlay, DAZN)
- August 26, 12:00 CET: Italy – Belgium (Rai 2, RaiPlay, DAZN)
