Italy
Both teams have almost identical stats while compiling 4-0 win-loss records and conceding only two sets to the opposition in the matches against Japan and Dominican Republic. In those four victories, world champions Russia scored 346 points and allowed 253 (1.368) and Italy had a 345-255 (1.353) balance.
Ekaterina Gamova and Nataliya Gonchareva carried Russia to the success against Japan with 29 and 26 points respectively. The world cup champions Italy are a different team with a more balanced offense mainly divided between Simona Gioli, Carolina Costagrande and Antonella Del Core. The last time the two teams were pitted together in an Olympic Games match, Italy won 3-1 at Beijing.
All the results from Olympic matches can be found here:
Volleyball – Men Volleyball – Women
