Belgium-U20
Belgium outplayed defending champions Poland in Pool 2 to open their continental U20 tournament campaign in a stylish way. The „Red Dragons“ prevailed in straight sets, partially 25-13, 25-23, 31-29, at SC Lange Munte in Kortrijk. After running over 2016 titleholders in the first set, Belgium escaped losing the second and third set in which they trailed by four and five points, respectively. Knack Roeselare outside hitter Mathijs Desmet top-scored for Belgium with 16 points (3 aces) while Mendo Booischot (Division 2) middle blocker Dries Van Lommel recorded 5 kill blocks for the winning side. Remigiusz Kapica, opposite of SMS PZPS Spała (Division 2), made 16 points for Poland.
Diego-Cantagalli
The 2016 bronze medalists Italy beat France in Pool 1 derby in which they clinched two of three sets in a two-point difference leaving a big question to their rivals after the match – how could they lose it in straight sets despite being so close in two of them? The encounter ended by a 28-26, 25-18, 26-24 in favor of the „Azzurri“ who were offensively led by Diego Cantagalli, the son of an Italian volleyball legend Luca Cantagalli. Cucine Lube Civitanova outside hitter put down 13 points while his teammate Francesco Recine from Club Italia Crai Roma (Division 2) made 82% attack (9/11). Rennes Volley 35 outside hitter Célestin Cardin highlighted „Les Bleus“ with 14 points. Pierre Toledo, also from Rennes Volley 35, made 80% hitting (8/10).
In Pool 1 in Ede (The Netherlands), Finland, Germany, and the Czech Republic scored 3-0 win each to align in that order in the standings after Round 1.
To see complete results, stats, and standings, visit our European Championship 2018 / Male / U20 page.
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