Katowice, 19 September 2021 – The Italy of volleyball is reborn after a difficult Olympics. After the girls of Mazzanti, even the boys of By Giorgi they rise to the top of Europe at the end of a tortuous and complicated final against the Slovenia beaten only in the tiebreak, and in comeback, for 25-22, 20-25, 25-20, 20-25, 11-15. Fefè De Giorgi immediately wins a trophy in his first experience as Italy’s coach.
Slovenia on the shields
Very difficult game and always to chase, even with traits of discouragement. Slovenia immediately ahead 10-6 in the first set, with Italy in difficulty in reception: rigid blues, with a bit of youth tension for an important commitment. The final weighs in while the Slovenia it is lighter and the partial expands up to 15-10. The set is compromised, Slovenia flies 19-14 with an error of Lavia and has the door wide open to the first advantage. Italy has a start and returns to minus one, but the Slovenians close with an ace: 25-22. Italy starts better in the second, the serve works, the reception also: 4-1. However, Slovenia is a tough nut to crack, Ropret directs and organizes well, Urnaut and Cebulj close: 10-11. Italy becomes agitated again, imprecise, both in attack and on the block, which was fundamental that had brought the Azzurri up to here. De Giorgi leans on the joke of Pinali for the counter-overtake and the hitter responds present: 16-13. Italy holds up the Slovenian reaction, Lavia finds the right way – Lucchetta docet – Michieletto and Pinali and the correct trajectories: 22-25 and 1-1. Partial third again complicated. It starts point by point up to 8-8, then the Slovenes speed up the serve and run away 11-8 with an Italy that always gives the impression of not being fully leveled. The Slovenians have an edge and fly 17-12, but Italy reacts and finds parity at 20. However, an ace from Stern and a block Cebulj reward Slovenia that closes 25-20.
Romanò changes the game
The fourth set does not improve initially for Italy, Slovenia blocks and does not allow the ball change, in attack Stern it is accurate and it looks bad: 4-1. De Giorgi’s men are forced to chase but manage to impact, albeit with difficulty and with a Slovenia skilled in defense. The overtaking is signed Lavia with an ace that gives life to a good blue partial up to 17-13, with the contribution of the newly entered player as well Roman. Italy finds itself again, it’s a tiebreaker. The problem with Italy is that Slovenia starts ruthlessly with Stern serves and goes 3-0, but there is a Roman superlative and is immediately 3-3. Not only that, then it’s up to Michieletto get on the chair, a lob and three bars: 11-7. The blues fly, defend, dirty and counterattack, four match points arrive at 14-10. Giannelli puts down the last point, but the referee calls invasion (which is not there), it goes on. It is Cebulj, with a long line, to give the success. Italy of volleyball again on the top of Europe, this time it’s up to the males. It had never happened that men and women won in the same year. Great party.
Palazzo Chigi
“The European volleyball team speaks Italian! After the success of our girls, the triumph of the Azzurri who today showed great heart, character and determination. We are European Champions Federvolley #EuroVolleyM #ItaliaSlovenia. “Thus, in a tweet, the presidency of the Council of the Italian government greets the victory of the Italian national volleyball team at the European Championships.
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