Classified with a perfect performance under the command of coach Julio Velasco, Italy accomplished its intention before leaving the field after triumphing in three sets. The victory, which was the first of four games matches for Italy in Macao, moved them 2.42 world ranking points closer to an Olympic berth. On 4 wins a piece, Italy is very close to the final round in Bangkok at just 12 points through Week One of FIVB play. Paola Egonu was the top scorer for Italy with 13 points, while Danesi scored nine and Lubian chipped in eight.
Marina Lubian: “It was important not to give up sets. We have a done a good job on the pitch, but we want to make tweaks as each day goes along.
Myriam Sylla: “It was within sustainable limits of emotion and a good feeling to play again together. We are concentrating for qualifying in the next Olympics and just taking match by match.
Some Match Stats:
- Italy: 6 aces, 10 blocks, 18 errors
- France: 0 aces, 1 block, 23 errors
VNL Pool 3 (Macao, China)
- Italy vs. France 3-0 (25-15, 25-14, 25-14)
- Netherlands vs. China 1-3 (25-21, 23-25, 23-25, 21-25)
