Japan were boosted by an enthusiastic home crowd
Japan coach Masayoshi Manabe:
“I knew the players were nervous because it was our first match so I’m happy for them that we won. After the Sendai round, we needed to think about how to improve and we had a week off that gave us plenty of time to think about our game, and things worked out really well.”
Japan captain Saori Kimura:
“Because this was the first game of the Finals, we really wanted to win and get into a good rhythm, so I’m really pleased we won this game.”
Italy coach Marco Mencarelli:
“Tonight, we had big difficulties but we knew this might be the case as we are not yet ready to play at the same level as Japan. Tomorrow, we will try to improve and make a better game. Tonight, our setter didn’t play a great game but also the whole team didn’t play well. When you have both the team and the setter like that, it’s difficult. Japan gave us problems with reception and digging and we couldn’t play at a high level.”
Italy captain Valentina Arrighetti:
“I think playing against Japan is always difficult and today we weren’t so great with our attack. We didn’t keep a good attitude but that’s normal when things don’t go so well. We will have to take this as a learning experience and I’m optimistic for the next game.”
To read more articles from this competition click on World Grand Prix 2013.
Also, see the WoV Community profiles of Japan and Italy.
