Italy wins 2011 CEV Girls Youth European Volleyball Championship
The Girls’ National Youth Volleyball team of Italy finished the final round of the 2011 CEV Girls’ Youth European Championship with absolute success.
The Italian squad was placed in Pool I along with teams from Germany, Slovakia, Greece, Belgium and Ukraine. The final round of the championship completed its run from April 30 to May 5. All the matches of Pool I were staged at the Bestepe Sports Hall in
Ankara, Turkey.
The Italian team entered the competition with an ambition of victory and successfully confirmed its thirst to hold the European title.
The wonderful Italian team put up a valiant effort and stamped their authority on rivals. They finished the round as top team with a final score of 5-0.
In the final round, each team appeared in five matches. Italian team opened the final round by taking on German counterparts on April 30. German team was considered as one of the most influential teams of the Pool I. However, Italian girls formulized a great
plan for Germans. The match lasted for four sets, while Germany could clinch success in only one set. It was not surely enough to save them from defeat in the opening match. Italy claimed the victory by posting a 3-1 (25-15, 24-26, 25-22, and 29-27) score
on the board.
The very next day, Italian team came across Greek girls. Italy had a competitive edge in the game as Greeks had already lost their first match. They were defeated by Belgium in straight sets. That was what made it quite easy for Italian side to put psychological
pressure on Greek side. The charged-up Italian musketeers once again rocked the podium and dominated the opponents. Italy maintained the great rhythm in first two sets.
However, the Greek side created a bit of sensation by winning third set but they lost the following set straight to Italy. Another fabulous victory graced Italian team in the second match and gave them the confidence to make more progress.
Italy was challenged by Team Slovakia in the third match on third consecutive day. Slovakia started off really well and staged a point-to-point fight. However, the better attack and defence strategies allowed Italy to dismantle the power of opponents. Italy
pulled off success in straight sets and added third victory to their count.
In the fourth match of the final round, Italians crossed their ways with the underdog team of Ukraine. Fourth match was played with the gap of one day. Hence, the teams had a little time to rest for one day.
Italians had a good energy after rest and showed their attacking power against Ukraine. The rival side failed to put up with the heavy strike of Italian spikers and lost the match. Success in fourth match confirmed the semi-final slot of Italy.
Italians staged a spectacular performance in their last match against defending champion Belgium. Team Italia maintained their dominance and held off opponents for 3-0 victory. Italy finished the round on strong footing and emerged as the top team of Pool
I.
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