Women Volleyball Update: Italy seized the gold at CEV European Volleyball Championship 2010
The Italian Women’s National Volleyball Team achieved a milestone by capturing a gold medal at CEV European Volleyball Championship last Sunday. Since the start of this championship, Italia exhibited an outstanding performance. They covered all the stages of tournament with distinction and overcame the stronger teams in the squad. The hard-work and dedication of the team enabled them to hold the title trophy.
Italy faced host Serbia in the final encounter and displayed an incredible game in front of 1800 spectators. Both teams reached the final stage of the tournament by subduing other teams of their respective pools. The final match was the most sought out battle for local and international fans. It was a lucky day for Italy, as they enjoyed the victory over Serbia. Italy dismissed Serbia by posting 3-1 (25-19, 25-20, 23-25, and 25-21) and collected the sixth women’s junior gold medal.
Match Summary
The first set of the final match started with strong serves and solid defence from both teams. It was the most important match of the tournament and finalist teams were fully prepared for the combat. They had good combinations of players and ball swam in the air for most of time. However, Italy was nippy to build a lead of one-point at the first technical timeout (TTO). Serbian team promptly responded and struggled to break Italian lead. The more heat was put up in the game with heavy strike of Serbia but the Italian remained consistent in scoring points. They extended their lead to four points at the second technical timeout. Serbia fought well but Italian aces didn’t give them a chance to be stable on their feet.
Chiara Scarabelli of Italy added more fury in the game by hitting the electrifying spikes. The gap of points further stretched and 19-13 hit the scoreboard. Serbian top athlete Sara Klisura helped the team-score and added three points with her killing underhand shots. In the meantime, Mina Tomic blocked Italian Giulia Pisani and they came closer to Italian score. Nonetheless, Italy bounced back in the game and Pisani came up with stronger attack. She brought up set point at 24-18. In the last minute, Serbian ball reception error gave Italians 1-0 lead.
The second set started and Serbia put great effort to the gain status in the game. The team struggled collectively and paid more attention to the Italian movement in the court. Serbian setter Danica Radenkovic created a lot of opportunities for the spikers but the game saw no step-up. On the other side of the net, Italians were very active in game and they took the score to 8-4. Serbia was under huge pressure as they failed to break Italian rule in the game. The local audience was disappointed with their team’s performance. Italy continued with leading score of 12-10, 16-14 and ultimately achieved the set point. Serbia lost the second set by receiving 20-25.
The third set kicked off in the similar fashion and Italy started a marathon of points. The things didn’t change a lot for Serbia; they still trailed behind Italy up till 2nd TTO with a difference of six points. Anyhow, all in a sudden Serbians came out of blues and they produced good shots. Serbia chased the score and eventually tied third set at 18-18. Ljubica Kecman served better aces and helped Serbia to take lead of two points. Moreover, Mina Tomic jumped in and raised the Serbian hopes by finishing the third set at 25-23. Serbian fans cheered their team by standing on their toes.
It was a great come-back for Serbia but Italy crushed their dream by winning the fourth set. Italy pulled off victory by polling 25-21 in the final set. The Italians got hold of the gold medal at CEV Women’s European Championship 2010 and captured the top spot.
Tags: