Italy-vs-Russia-U21
Italy (undefeated in the tournament with a 7-0 record) progressed to the final for the 4th time in this age category, the first time since 1993, as they surpassed Russia in the semis by a 3-1 (24-26, 25-19, 25-22, 25-21).
On all 3 previous occasions, the “Azzurri“ lost the gold medal encounter, including the one in 1985 despite the participation of a generation that 4 years later started to bring many senior titles to the country. Interestingly, as much as 3 sons of players that belonged to this “Generation of phenomena“, called by the Italian media, are in the roster of this year’s U21 World Championship finalists: Davide Gardini (son of Andrea Gardini), Diego Cantagalli (son of Luca Cantagalli) and Francesco Recine (son of Stefano Recine).
The latter, a member of Consar Ravenna, top-scored for Italy with 18 points. His club teammate Daniele Lavia made 4 kill blocks. In Russia, Lokomotiv Novosibirsk youth team opposite hitter Maksim Sapozhkov scored game-high 29 points (4 kill blocks and 4 aces), while Fakel Novy Urengoy youth team middle blocker Vitaliy Dikarev set up 5 kill blocks.
Brazil-vs-Iran-U21
Iran are other finalists as they swept Brazil in straight sets. Thus, the Asian side advanced to the gold medal encounter for the first time in the U21 national team history.
The best result of Iran in this age category so far was the bronze medal in 2007 when they beat exactly their rivals in this year’s edition of the tournament, Italy.These 2 already met once in Bahrain, in the Top 8, when the “Azzurri“ prevailed by a 3-1.
Paykan Tehran opposite hitter Porya Yali scored 18 points for Iran. How much Brazil players were powerless shows the fact that they did not serve a single ace in the match. A new member of SESI-SP (last season in Vôlei UM Itapetininga) Victor Cardoso noted 10 points for the “Seleção“.
2019 FIVB U21 Men’s Volleyball World Championship – semifinals:
Italy – Russia 3-1 (24-26, 25-19, 25-22, 25-21)
Brazil – Iran 0-3 (20-25, 14-25, 17-25)
Bronze medal match (July 27):
Russia vs. Brazil (14:00 C.E.T.)
Final (July 27):
Italy vs. Iran (18:00 C.E.T.)
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