USA falls to Italy in the Olympic quarterfinal match – Volleyball News
With the help of match-high 19 points from skipper Cristian Savani, Italian men’s volleyball team stamped a splendid 3-0 win over USA in the quarterfinal match of the Olympic tournament on Wednesday.
The two teams met at the Earls Court in London and contested their skills in front of some 14,000 spectators. Italy sent 28-26, 25-20, and 25-20 on board, in order to earn the winning status. The 2008 Olympic champions of the USA fought bravely, but failed
to overcome the opponents and dropped the chance to advance to the final four of the tournament.
US Captain Clayton Stanley was the only player on his side to go into double-digits. He added team-high 16 points, in the loss.
On the other hand, three Italian players including the team captain claimed double-figure score and led their team to straight sets win.
First set started off tight, but USA managed to take lead. Stanley hit exquisite shots and tried to put pressure on the opposite side. As the game progress, Italy hit back and added good points. Cristian Savani and Ivan Zaytsev formed a nice combo, and helped
Italy to stay in the game. US team hit the ball from all angles and tried to achieve the set points. Nonetheless, Italy defended well and saved three set points before winning the first set at 28-26.
With one set in hand, Italy displayed better performance in the second set. The pressure shifted on the US side, while Italians enjoyed a great form. Second set also came successful for Italy whereas USA suffered the loss.
US team failed to make a comeback and lost the match at the end of third set.
“It is a very difficult time. We knew it would be a tough match against great serves and hitters. It was a tough first set where we did have some chances. But then we didn’t respond well in the second set” pointed out US coach Alan Knipe after his team dropped
the decision.
Likewise, the US Captain Clayton Stanley opined: “They played great and found their rhythm. They turned it up a notch and we turned it down. We worked four years for this, it’s kinda tough. We got taken advantage of and we let them back
into the game because we thought we played a good game in the first set.”
Italian captain and coach were satisfied about the match result and expressed delight. In the next run, Italy will meet Brazil in the second semi-final of the Men’s Olympic Volleyball Tournament on Friday. Italian team has high hopes to qualify for the final
showdown of the competition.
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