Despite losing the first set in four games, the Azzurri won 3-1 in Cuba in the round of 16 of the Volleyball World Cup in Ljubljana and are now waiting to know the name of their rival, the reigning Olympic champion France or Japan.
The fearsome Caribbean team proved to be hard to overcome, with reduced gaps in all sets (25-21, 21-25, 26-24, 25-18), apart from the last one in which Italy took the lead wider but only in the final.
De Giorgi lined up Giannelli in dribble, Romanò on his diagonal, Lavia and Michieletto martelli, Galassi and Russo central, Balaso free.
On the other hand, Cuba in the field with Goide setter, Herrera opposite, Yant and Mergarejo spikers, Simon and Osoria central, Garcia ibero.
ANSA.it
Volleyball World Cup, 3-1 in Cuba, Italy in the quarterfinals - Sport
Partials 25-21, 21-25, 26-24, 25-18 (ANSA)
Difficult first set, played ball after ball for long stretches and also characterized by some blurring of the blues who, however, overall were good at staying focused despite a not flawless service.
In the closing stages, Italy placed a couple of decisive shots for the 25-21.
A greater foolishness in the second half allowed Cuba to take an advantage in the final set, bringing home the 1-1.
The third fraction was again characterized by a great balance, a war of nerves that saw Italy twice on +2 (23-21, 24-22) and closed on the third attempt.
In the fourth set, Anzani entered the sextet from the start and led his teammates to an important recovery after a difficult start.
Step by step, the Azzurri managed a minimal advantage with the decisive vice-captain in this phase to take a decisive advantage.
Next Wednesday, whatever the opponent, Italy will have to be less foul and more continuous to hope to hit the semifinal.
In the meantime, there is time to regain strength and clear your mind a bit.