Italian
The men’s national volleyball team wins against Belgium 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-22) and remains in the running for the Volleyball Nations League Finals
OSAKA (JAPAN) – ItalVolley raises its head and reacts. After yesterday’s defeat against the home team of Japan, in the second match of Week 3 of the Volleyball Nations League, the Azzurri easily defeat Belgium led by Italian coach Emanuele Zanini. With a 3-0 victory (25-20, 25-22, 25-22), Italy secures its sixth win and ranks fifth in the standings with 20 points.
De Giorgi’s team attacks strongly from the start, easily dominating every set. The best scorer of the day was the Belgian Reggers with 14 points, followed by the excellent performances of Romanò and Mati with 13 points.
To secure a ticket for the Finals, Italy must win its next two matches against Argentina on Saturday, July 18, at 12:20 PM, and against Cuba the following day at 8:30 AM.
The scorecard
ITALY – BELGIUM 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-22)
ITALY: Bottolo 11, Mati 13, Romanò 13, Porro 7, Sanguinetti 8, Giannelli, Balaso (L). Sani 1, Sbertoli, Bovolenta. N.e: Laurenzano, Galassi, Lavia, Russo. Coach: De Giorgi
BELGIUM: Valkiers 1, Plaskie 13, Colson 5, Reggers 14, Rottyseppe 5, D’heer 3. Lantsoght (L). Fransen, V. Hoyweghen 1, Verwimp, Vandecruys, Baetens, Fafchamps. N.e: Van Genechten. Coach: Zanini
Referees: Liu Jiang (CHN), Szydlowski Robert Karol (AUS)
Duration: 23’, 26’, 28’
Italy: a 3, bs 17, m 7, e.t. 22.
Belgium: a 1, bs 14, m 7, e.t. 22.
Statements
These are the words of Yuri Romanò: “Today’s victory is very important, both from the point of view of the standings, to remain in good positions for qualification, and for the game. It was important to win 3-0 while also playing well. I am really happy about this and it is very important.
Personally, I feel good. For me, this is the first match in an international tournament of the summer, so I had some doubts. But on the field, I felt great, I am satisfied and I am getting into shape.
Tomorrow we don’t play and we will dedicate the day to preparing for the next two matches, which will be very important to get into the top seven. A good placement is also very important for the pairing with the Finals. Against Argentina and Cuba, there will be two very tough matches, but we are ready and we will face them in the best way possible.”
Calendar and Results – Pool 9 (Osaka, Japan) – July 15-19*
Wednesday, July 15: Canada-Argentina 2-3 (26-24, 25-22, 23-25, 13-25, 17-19); Belgium-Cuba 0-3 (23-25, 19-25, 20-25); Italy-Japan 2-3 (26-24, 19-25, 20-25, 25-23, 12-15)
Thursday, July 16: Italy-Belgium 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-22); 12:20 PM Japan-Canada.
Friday, July 17: 6:00 AM Cuba-Argentina, 12:20 PM Japan-Belgium.
Saturday, July 18: 6:00 AM Canada-Cuba; 12:20 PM Argentina-Italy;
Sunday, July 19: 5:00 AM Belgium-Canada; 8:30 AM Cuba-Italy; 12:20 PM Japan-Argentina.
*Italian game times
Photo Credits: Federvolley.it
