After winning 3-2 against the Germans The Polish national team is still in the fight for two places that will guarantee participation in the Olympic Games. However, the meeting between the Americans and the Italians was also very important for the top teams. After the defeat of the Germans, the teams of the United States and Italy They were the only undefeated teams in the Łódź tournament.
After the first set, the Americans were closer to maintaining their series of victories. They did well in blocking from the very beginning, with their opponents’ coach leading 12:9 Davide Mazzanti he asked for a break.
After that, the US players only increased their advantage. The Italian trainer made further changes, but there were no results. The Americans played great defense and won long shots. They scored the last point after one of their opponents crossed the halfway line – they won 25:19.
The Italians equalized, but could not find a way to attack Jordan Thompson
However, the beginning of the second set saw a role reversal. After a few even minutes, the Italians took the lead and won 14:10. Again, there were many long rallies, but this time the Italians were also able to win them. The Americans rushed to make up for the losses and reduced them to two points. However, during the break, Mazzanti calmed down his team, which ultimately did not give up the lead and won 25:23.
The improvement in the Americans’ game, which was visible at the end of the second game, carried over to the beginning of the third. The US team was leading 8:4its offense was fueled by attacks JordanThompson. However, the Italians quickly made up for the loss and drew 12:12. However, soon they were two points behind their rivals again. This difference lasted longer. It increased after the car attack Ekaterina Antropova. On the other side, Thompson contributed offensively Dana Rettke, and the Italian women got lost in the party. The Americans won 25:21.
Americans in great shape. Still undefeated in the Olympic qualifications
The Italians finished without a medal in the two previous major tournaments this season. The Americans were off the podium in the Nations League finals played at home. Both teams are high in the FIVB rankingbut their goal is to secure a ticket to the Games in Paris now.
There was a fierce fight on the field. The fourth game was a draw. However, in the second part of the set there was a break in favor of the Americans. They developed it during Rettke’s serves. Even the Italian center made mistakes in attacking Marina Lubian. The advantage of the Olympic champions had grown to great proportions, the Italians had no chance. The Americans won 25:18 sealed Rettke’s clever attack.
On Saturday, there will be another clash of the favorites of the Łódź tournament. The Americans will face the PolesThe Italians will play against the Germans.
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