Ankara, Turkey, August 15, 2015 – Brazil overpowered Italy 3-1 (30-28, 16-25, 25-19, 25-20) on Saturday to win the predetermining duel for a semifinal spot in Pool A at the 2015 FIVB Volleyball Women’s U23 World Championship in Ankara, Turkey. Brazil have improved to a 3-1 win-loss record while Italy drop to 2-2.
Brazil’s captain Rosamaria Montibeller led her team with 13 points. Anastasia Guerra shined with 19 kills for Italy. The Italians dominated the offense (57 to 48 spikes, 9-8) but committed more errors (33-23) as well.
There was not much to separate the two teams in the early stages of the match. Italy had the edge at the first technical timeout before Brazil came back to lead with one point at the second technical break. Both teams had several chances to conclude before the South Americans sealed set win on their fourth occasion with Danesi sending the Mikasa long at 30-28. Anastasia Guerra chipped in ten points for Italy in the first set, Gabi was the leading force for Brazil with six kills.
The squadra azzurra rapidly recovered in the beginning of the second set. The team of Luca Cristofani rushed to a 12-7 lead forcing Brazil’s coach Wagner to call his ladies off court. It apparently didn’t help as Italy never looked back until 25-16. The South Europeans had reduced their errors from 14 in the first to eight in the second period.
The deciding moment of the match came in the middle of the third set. Italy led 13-11 before Brazil turned the tables to make it 16-14 in their favour. The Brazilian blockers eventually found their rhythm while Italy’s spikers lost focus. Brazil’s captain Rosamaria contributed seven points for her squad in the third set, leading her teammates to a well-deserved 25-19 set win.
The South Americans kept control of the match in the fourth and last set. The young Italian ladies did their best to bounce back but it was not good enough. Saraelen ended the fourth set and the match with a service winner at 25-20.