Italy's "Azzurre" Overcome Ukraine in Intense Match

In a closely contested match where Italy demonstrated resilience and found crucial answers even in challenging moments, they continued their journey towards the European Championships. The intense game saw Italy secure important victories, showcasing their readiness for the upcoming tournament.

The Italian team, led by Coach Velasco, faced Ukraine in Koszalin. The starting lineup for Italy included Cambi as setter, Egonu as opposite hitter, Giovannini and Omoruyi on the wings, Nwakalor and Meli as middle blockers, and Spirito as libero. Ukraine's lineup featured Sharhorodska at setter, Danchak in position 2, Milenko and Pavlyk as outside hitters, Meliushkyna and Kotar in the middle, and Boiko as libero.

Italy started strong, taking a 5-0 lead, but Ukraine, with strong performances from Meliushkyna and Danchak, responded with a 9-0 run. Ukraine's potent serves put Italy under pressure, leading to a 7-14 scoreline. Nervini was substituted for Giovannini. Italy found success through their middle blockers, Meli and Nwakalor, closing the gap to 11-15. The tempo of the game increased as Italy chased the score, with Ukraine posing a constant threat with their serves, reaching 12-19. However, Italy rallied, with Nervini and Egonu leading the charge to get back into the game at 18-23. Ultimately, two points from Danchak sealed the first set for Ukraine, 18-25.

The second set began with an unfortunate injury to Omoruyi at 3-1, with Giovannini coming in as her replacement. Italy maintained their lead throughout the set, showcasing quality and character to dominate their opponents, leading 19-13. Italy comfortably closed the set at 25-14 with an Egonu spike, leveling the match at 1-1.

The third set was highly competitive, with both Italy and Ukraine going point-for-point until 9-9. Italy then shifted gears, pulling ahead to 16-11. Egonu was relentless in attack, and Cambi's distribution was flawless. Spirito delivered a strong performance in the back row. Ukraine, with the experience of Dorsman, fought back to make it 20-17, but Italy's decisive push secured the set 25-22, giving them a 2-1 lead.

The fourth set also started with both teams tied at 11-11. Italy intensified their play, with Egonu delivering powerful attacks and Nwakalor and Meli being effective at the net. Giovannini provided quality in reception, leading to a 20-17 advantage for Italy. Italy's potent attack and an unforced serving error by Ukraine at 25-20 secured their second consecutive victory on Polish soil.

Anna Danesi's Thoughts

"We are aware of the importance of this tournament, especially for those who have played less, but generally for the entire team to have the opportunity to play before the Europeans. Today, unfortunately, there was Loveth's injury, which we are immensely sorry about. It should never happen. We have played two good matches in these days, and tomorrow we will face Poland, the home team. The level will continue to rise, and we will continue to grow."

She then looked ahead to the continental championship:

"We will approach these Europeans gradually, in my opinion, game by game. First, we will focus on the teams that await us in Sweden, and then as we progress, we will think about the rest. I believe there are still some things to refine, but we are on the right track. The group is good, always eager to work, and we are also challenging ourselves after the bronze in the VNL, but we are ready to start this European Championship."

Match Details

ITALY-UKRAINE 3-1 (18-25, 25-14, 25-22, 25-20)

ITALIA: Meli 11, Cambi 8, Spirito (L), Fersino (L) ne, Orro ne, Danesi ne, Nwakalor 10, Nervini 11, Sylla ne, Egonu 21, Fahr ne, Omoruyi 2, Giovannini 5, Antropova ne. Coach: Velasco

UKRAINE: Milenko 15, Meliushkyna 7, Lutsenko (L) ne, Pavlyk 11, Dorsman 6, Parfonova 1, Nudha ne, Danchak 16, Fedyk ne, Sharhorodska 5, Artyshuk, Zharkova ne, Boiko (L), Dymar ne, Kotar 3. Coach: Jakub Głuszak

REFEREES: Piotr Skowronski (Pol), Pawel Sosnowski (Pol)

Duration: 24’, 27’, 26’, 23’. Total: 100’

Italy: Aces 9, Errors 6, Blocks 7; Ukraine: Aces 7, Errors 13, Blocks 7.