Italy dominates Poland in last match of Pool A: 2011 FIVB Grand Prix - Volleyball
The Italian team finished the first leg of the 2011 FIVB Grand Prix in great style and maintained their winning streak of 3-0. They appeared in the last match of Pool A on Sunday, August 7, and defeated Poland by three sets. The osts couldn’t benefit from
the home advantage and received a 1-3 (12-25, 25-21, 24-26, and 14-26) beating. It took the European champions more than two hours to see off hosts Poland in city of Bydgoszcz.
A total of 22 points were added by one single Italian player named, Carolina Costagrande. Anita Kwiatkowska was equally active on centre court and she added 14 points for Poland.
Powerful jump-serves from Lucia Bosetti worked their magic for Italy and made a strong impression on the Polish Team. Bosetti's serves and Carolina’s hard spiking proved to be troublesome for Poland. Italy was able to drag the Polish team under pressure.
Joanna Wolosz of Poland tried different techniques to stop Italian attackers. She managed to save a few points but overall Italy took a lead in the first set as Poland was restricted to a low score, while Italy achieved set points at 25-12.
Poland counter attacked in the following set aggressively and paid more attention to defence and put up a spirited effort. The hard work of Polish players paid off and Italy was pushed back. Anita Kwiatkowska hit some terrific shots and put her team in the
lead. However, Italy was not a pish over and they continued putting efforts to return into the game. The score soared up with close difference but this time Poland refused to lose the spot. Hosts successfully hit the equaliser by winning second set.
Third set was a point for point battle. Both sides played with good tactics and jumped on every little opportunity to score. Poland was one point ahead of Italy at the first technical timeout in the third set (8-7). Kwiatkowska was the leading scorer on
Poland’s side. Italy used the wonderful duo of Lucia Bosetti and Serena Ortolani, in order to dismantle the power of the Poles. The formula worked out and Italy once again was in control. They closed the third set with a 26-24 win and led the score with 2-1.
It was a signal from Italian side that they were prepared to knock out Poland. They staged a great performance and walked away with the victory after claiming the fourth set. Italy finished the first week with nine points.
Milena Radecka, the captain of home side regretted that her side couldn’t manage to deal with strong Italian but she was happy for putting up a fight. Radecak hoped that the fans enjoyed their great macth and would acknowledge their effort. The mentor of
Polish team, Alojzy Swiderek, congratulated the winning squad. He credited them for their experienced team-line. He said: “Probably the key factor was the Italians experience. It was our first serious tournament this season and we did what we could. Now we
go to Zielona Gora for the next tournament. I will take the same team, because the others are not ready yet.”
The coach of the victorious team, Massimo Barbolini from Italy also had his say about the match: “Today after the second set, when I saw that we are not enough good in reception, I told my players to concentrate on defense and blocking. Having these two
elements at high level, we could also win the game. And they did it. For the next tournaments I will replace at least two players, which are now preparing in Rome.”
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