Italy falls to Serbia in the third match of 2012 FIVB World Grand Prix – Volleyball news
Italy collided with Serbia in the third match of the 2012 FIVB World Grand Prix at the weekend.
Despite giving a good competition to Serbia, the Italian squad suffered the set back (18-25, 14-25, 23-25). Atlas Arena in Lodz, Poland hosted the match, while 2’200 volleyball enthusiasts were in attendance. Both teams ended with similar 1-2 record in the
first leg of the tournament. Serbia claimed victory after losing previous two matches in row whereas Italy received defeat after winning against hosts Poland in the last match.
Italy relied on Serena Ortolani, who helped the team with 15 points. On the other hand, Serbian wing-spiker Brankica Mihajlovic scored the same number of points.
Serbia made a good start to the match and showcased consistent performance. However, Italy faced trouble in serving and attack from the very start of the match. Unforced errors of Italian players benefitted Serbs, who did not miss a chance to score points.
Better attack and defence allowed Serbia to secure first set, 25-18. Serbia’s success in the opening set was mainly credited to Jovana Brakocevi and Stefana Veljkovi.
In the second set, Serbia was in even better position to lead the game. The Italians remained in the cold waters and could not manage to fight the challenge. The ball frequently landed on Italian side and raised the score of Serbia. Italian coach opted for
better substitutions but all his efforts went futile. Serbia comfortably claimed the second set by posting 25-14 on board.
Following the loss of two sets, Italy played to its full potential in the third set. However, Serbs were totally shaped up to win the match. They claimed third set with two points (25-23) and declared match victory.
Marco Bracci, the Italian mentor, regretted the loss of match but congratulated the Serbs for their deserving win. He did not mind to admit that Serbia put on a better show of volleyball and pulled off success. He also wished the Serbs to make it to the
2012 London Olympics. It was indeed a great gesture of good will from Italian coach after losing to Serbia.
Serbia coach Zoran Terzic disclosed his thoughts in the following manner. He said, “It was definitely the best match of my team in this season. We did a good job in service and in block. I hope we will continue at this level and show the same volleyball
during Olympic Games in London.”
He further added, “Now we are coming back to Belgrade to face Argentina, Cuba and Turkey. It should be easier for us, because we will play in front of our fans in Belgrade. I hope to see mu players growing up.”
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