After a slow start to the weekend Italy finished with two good wins
Sydney, Australia, June 19, 2016 - Italy notched up its second win of the weekend, beating a plucky Australian team 3-0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-20) in a mouth-watering display of power serving from both teams.
Australia had been disappointing on the opening two nights, but bounced back to show some character and determination against a world-class opponent. Italy were slow on the opening night, bounced back to comprehensively beat Belgium on the Saturday night, and started in a hurry against Australia. Luca Vettori, such an important player in Italy’s opening two matches, was once again dominant, but it was the early serve of Simone Giannelli which was causing Australia headaches. But Australia, forced to make changes through injury, unearthed a powerhouse of their own in 22-year-old Jordan Richards.
His serve and blocking caused problems for Italy, and with the more experienced players Aidan Zingel and Paul Carroll guiding the way, the Australians gave plenty of cheek. The set tightened up towards the end, but it was Vettori who, when called upon, got the job done for the Italians.
Ivan Zaytsev, one of the best players in the world today, gave the big Sydney crowd glimpses of his very best in the second set. His serving, as always, was missile like. His follow up spiking gave the Australians no hope. Coupled with the power of Vettori, it was a cocktail hard for the home team to swallow. Carroll, Richards and Zingel continued to work hard for Australia, and they worked their way back into the set before Vettori once again sealed the deal.
The Australians started confidently in the third set. Sam Walker, another of the younger players coming through the Volleyroo ranks, was having an impact, Zingel continued to menace at the net, and Carroll was powerful out wide. But Italy has too much power and experience all over the court. Zaytsev can be relied upon to perform during crucial points, and Giannelli is another who can blow opposition teams off the court. Australia was once again competitive, but ultimately it was the class of Italy which shone through.