Italy tipped off to win 2010 FIVB Men’s Volleyball Championship
Italy has been the home of intense volleyball action since the start of FIVB Men’s World Volleyball Championship in last month. The event started off on 25th September, 2010 and it is in full swing these days. The final team-ratings will be revealed
on 5th October, 2010 but Italy is absolutely shaped up to secure the top spot.
Technically, the championship was broken down in three segments; the 1st, 2nd and final round. The host Italy has set-up matches in 10 different cities. The championship welcomed 24 teams from around the world including Italy. The
game of 1st and 2nd round lived its life until 2nd October, 2010 and final round is just coming to a close. Italy started out the campaign on the right foot and demonstrated incredible play. They never failed to impress the
fans and received huge applause. Thanks to the brilliant coach of Italy, Andrea Anastasi, he led the team in a great way and helped them believe in their abilities.
First round progress
Italy finished first round of the championship with maximum points in Pool A. They came across teams from Japan, Egypt and Iran, but nobody could hinder their performance and bar them from rising as the top team. Success graced Italian team at every point.
The played three matches and bagged 6 points at the end of first round, which ran from 25-27 September, 2010.
Second round overview
The Team Italia was joined by Germany and Puerto Rico in Pool G of second round. Italy overpowered Germany in their first match by posting 3-1 (21-25, 25-18, 25-21, and 25-18) victory on 1st October, 2010. The team played with great rhythm and
displayed impressive performance. Italy was challenged by Puerto Rico in the last match of second round on 2nd October, 2010. The powerhouse Italians once again outshined and extended their winning streak to 5-0 in the FIVB Men’s World Championship.
Italy enjoyed a great form and dominated Puerto Ricans from very start of their game. They began the first set with powerful serves. Puerto Rico’s defence expert couldn’t penetrate the hard pushes of Italian hitters and frequently deflected the ball. Italy
picked up early lead and took the score to the verge of victory in first set. They secured first set with a score of 25-22.
The second set also came successful for the Italian studs and they remained on the dominant side. Puerto Rico tried to attack after the first technical timeout, but Italian blockers stood against them like an iron wall. Italy quickly hit the finish-line,
while Puerto Rico could only help 16 points in second set. Italy strengthened their position by capturing the second set with good margin (25-16).
Oddly enough, Puerto Rico turned many heads around in third set. The team put combined effort and tried to overcome their flaws. Soto Hector of Puerto Rico produced ground breaking spikes and turned the mood of entire match. In the meantime, Italy committed
a few ball-reception errors, which provided a perfect opportunity to the Puerto Rican to take the game away from Italians. They scored three points in a row and snatched the third set from strong Italian side. Puerto Rico made a difference with the help of
25-18.
The victory put a new soul in Puerto Ricans, and they started heavier strike. Italy had to stop them anyway; otherwise Puerto Ricans were on fire. Italy brought in Mastrangelo Luigi to defend team’s position. He blocked excellent shots and saved many points
for his team. Italy gradually came back on the track and took lead in the game. They clawed their way to success in fourth set and defeated Puerto Rico by 25-21. Italy declared match victory on Puerto Rico and remained un-beaten in the tournament.
Italy has bright prospects to clinch the final victory, as they are determined to crush everything in their way.
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