Italy – Slovenia
Italy started strongly against Slovenia, jumping to a 16-8 lead in the opening set. After the game resumed, the young Italians steadily pushed forward the game by dominating the match with their powerful serves and solid block work. Slovenia’s head coach Joze Casar called timeout twice, but could not stop Italy’s power.
The plot of the match didn’t change at all in the second period. Slovenia’s libero Maja Pahor suffered a hard time as Italy’s servers and spikers used her as principal target. Italy’s Anastasia Guerra led Italy to an easy 2:0 set lead with four winning spikes and two blocks.
Casar made several changes in the beginning of the third set but his players failed to stop the winning momentum of the determined Italians. Giulia Angelina brought up match point at 24-15 for the unstoppable Italians by hammering the Mikasa down to the left sideline. Slovenia saved five but finally couldn’t prevent Italy’s third win in a row.
Italy head coach Luca Pieragnoli: “Yesterday we had some girls who played not at their appropriate level, but today they have shown their real face and played very well. I am happy because many players proved that I can count on them when it is important.”
Italy captain Ofelia Malinov: “We entered the match much more focused than yesterday. Finally it was easier than we expected.”
Slovenia head coach Joze Casar: “In my opinion the Italian team played their best match so far today. I am a little bit disappointed with the quality of reception of my team; on the other hand my setters did a great job.”
Slovenia captain Eva Mori: “During warm up we were very quiet. Even though we tried hard to find the right energy level, we failed. I do not know what happened.”
To read more news from this competition click on Youth European Championship 2013 F.
