Italy Secures Second Consecutive Win Against Ukraine in Koszalin

KOSZALIN (POLAND) - Italy has achieved back-to-back victories. Following their success against France, Julio Velasco's 'Azzurre' defeated Ukraine 3-1 (18-25, 25-14, 25-22, 25-20) at the Sport and Entertainment Hall, marking their second win at the Agata Mróz-Olszewska Memorial. The match was intense, with Italy demonstrating consistency and resilience even in challenging moments, continuing their journey towards the European Championships.

The game was marked early in the second set by an unfortunate early exit from the court of Loveth Omoruyi. The Italian outside hitter sustained an injury during a net play, falling awkwardly. She was subsequently taken off the court on a stretcher for initial assessments.

Tomorrow, Thursday, August 13th, at 6 PM, Italy will face the host nation, Poland, in the concluding match of the international tournament in Koszalin.

For the match against Ukraine, Coach Velasco opted for Cambi as setter, Egonu as opposite, Giovannini and Omoruyi as outside hitters, Nwakalor and Meli as middle blockers, and Spirito as libero. Ukraine's coach, Głusza, fielded Sharhorodska as setter, Danchak in position 2, Milenko and Pavlyk as outside hitters, Meliushkyna and Kotar as middle blockers, and Boiko as libero.

Italy started strong, taking a 5-0 lead, but Ukraine responded with a 0-9 run, highlighted by Meliushkyna and Danchak. The Italian team struggled with Ukraine's powerful serves, trailing 7-14. Nervini was substituted for Giovannini. Italy found success through their middle blockers, Meli and Nwakalor, narrowing the gap to 11-15. The tempo of the game increased as Italy chased the score, with Ukraine posing an increasing threat from serves (12-19). Italy began to improve in all aspects of play, with Nervini and Egonu bringing them back into contention (18-23), but two points from Danchak closed the first set at 18-25.

At the beginning of the second set, as mentioned, Omoruyi suffered an injury with the score at 3-1. Giovannini replaced her. The Italian team maintained the lead throughout the set, playing with quality and determination (19-13), putting their opponents under pressure. Italy comfortably secured the set at 25-14 with a powerful cross-court spike from Egonu, leveling the match at 1-1.

The third set was highly contested, with Italy and Ukraine trading points evenly (9-9). Italy then increased their intensity, taking a 16-11 lead. Egonu was relentless in attack (19-14), and Cambi's distribution was flawless. Spirito delivered a strong performance in defense. On the other side, Dorsman's experience helped bring Ukraine back into the game (20-17), but Italy made a decisive run to win the set 25-22, taking a 2-1 lead.

The start of the fourth set also saw both teams level (11-11). Italy raised their game tempo, Egonu attacked powerfully, Nwakalor and Meli were effective in the middle, and Giovannini provided quality in reception (20-17). The Italian team's attack was unstoppable, and an unforced service error from Ukraine (25-20) secured their second consecutive victory on Polish soil.

Coach's Comments

Anna Danesi commented on the importance of the tournament for the team's preparation for the European Championships, acknowledging the unfortunate injury to Loveth Omoruyi. She expressed satisfaction with the two good matches played so far and looked forward to facing host nation Poland, anticipating an even higher level of play and team improvement.

Looking ahead to the next continental championship, Danesi stated that the team will approach it gradually, match by match. She emphasized that while there are still areas to refine, they are on the right track. Danesi highlighted the team's strong group dynamic, their eagerness to work, and their motivation after winning bronze in the VNL, expressing confidence for the start of the European Championship.

Match Details

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

ITALY: Meli 11, Cambi 8, Spirito (L), Fersino (L) not played, Orro not played, Danesi not played, Nwakalor 10, Nervini 11, Sylla not played, Egonu 21, Fahr not played, Omoruyi 2, Giovannini 5, Antropova not played. Coach: Velasco

UKRAINE: Milenko 15, Meliushkyna 7, Lutsenko (L) not played, Pavlyk 11, Dorsman 6, Parfonova 1, Nudha not played, Danchak 16, Fedyk not played, Sharhorodska 5, Artyshuk, Zharkova not played, Boiko (L), Dymar not played, Kotar 3. Coach: Jakub Głuszak

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

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

Italy: 9 service aces, 6 service errors, 7 reception errors; Ukraine: 7 service aces, 13 service errors, 7 reception errors.