In a duel of big rivals between Poland and Italy on the opening day of the 2021 FIVB Men’s Volleyball Nations League in the Rimini bubble (Italy), there were no dilemmas regarding the winners.
The Poland National Team had no major problems with Italy: 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-18). The hosts couldn’t cope powerful play of the ‘White and Reds’. Such an outcome shouldn’t come as a surprise given that Italians decided to send their “B” squad to Rimini.
Therefore, the world champions were the clear favorites regardless of the lineup that their head coach Vital Heynen sent on the court, which was not the best he has at the moment. Maciej Muzaj was Poland’s most prolific player with 14 points. Karol Kłos had 5 blocks.
Even though they prevailed in straight sets in the South American classic, Brazil’s win over Argentina was everything but easy. The ‘Seleção’ were pushed to the limits in the first two sets which went in the ‘overtime’. Ricardo Lucarelli highlighted Olympic champions with 14 points.
2021 FIVB Men’s Volleyball Nations League – Day 1:
France – Bulgaria 3-0 (27-25, 25-21, 25-23)
Germany – Australia 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-16)
Japan – Iran 3-0 (25-19, 25-22, 26-24)
Serbia – Slovenia 3-1 (22-25, 25-18, 36-34, 25-18)
Netherlands – Russia 1-3 (19-25, 22-25, 25-18, 20-25)
USA – Canada 3-0 (25-17, 26-24, 25-20)
Poland – Italy 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-18)
Brazil – Argentina 3-0 (31-29, 26-24, 25-16)
