USA knocks out Italy: Olympics more complicated for the Azzurre

The Azzurre fell, but the run-up to the Olympics was not è compromised.

Italy women’s volleyball knows its first defeat in the pre-Olympic tournament. The girls coached by coach Mazzanti fall in Lodz against the defending champions of the United States, who prevail in four sets. It ends 19-25, 25-23, 21-25, 18-25, a result that forces the Azzurre to pick themselves up against Germany (who will be faced on Saturday at 8:45 p.m.) and Poland. A full win in one of the next two challenges could be worth a pass to Paris 2024.

Italy paid particularly for the tactical play of the Americans, who harassed setter Myriam Sylla in reception. For the Azzurre also some inaccuracy in the counterattack phase and a few too many fouls in reception. And after a second set with Antropova on the shields that had raised hopes of recovery, the third and fourth soon took the USA’s direction.

In the end Antropova finished with 20 points to her credit, 17 those of Myriam Sylla. Goal to do well with Germany right away and get off to a flying start in the Olympic mission.