“Squadra azzurra” makes impressive comeback versus Poland

After the second competition day in Bar, 2011 runner-up Italy remains the sole unbeaten team in Pool I. Two sets down against Poland, the South Europeans made a remarkable comeback. Slovenia (3:1 triumph over the Czech Republic) and Greece (3:1 victory versus host Montenegro) booked their first wins at 2013 CEV Youth Volleyball European Championship - Girls.

After the second competition day in Bar, 2011 runner-up Italy remains the sole unbeaten team in Pool I. Two sets down against Poland, the South Europeans made a remarkable comeback. Slovenia (3:1 triumph over the Czech Republic) and Greece (3:1 victory versus host Montenegro) booked their first wins at 2013 CEV Youth Volleyball European Championship - Girls.

Italy vs. Poland 3:2 (25-27, 16-25, 25-16, 25-23, 15-6)
In today’s first Pool I duel, Italy made an impressive comeback against Poland. Trailing 0:2, the young Italian talents bounced back valiantly to leave the court after 141 minutes (!) as winners. Anna Nicoletti led Italy with 24 points, whilst Malwina Smarzek scored 18 times for Poland. 
There was not much to separate the two teams in the early stages of the match. 2011 runner-up Italy was a little bit stronger in passing and spiking, whilst Poland dominated blocking and serving. At 24-22, the “squadra azzurra” had two set balls, but couldn’t conclude. The East Europeans fired back with a successful Magdalena Damaske attack and two block kills. After 31 minutes, Damaske added an ace to her personal account to offer Poland a hard-earned 1:0 set lead. Italy committed 13 errors in the opening set. 
Poland’s comeback at the end of the first period was the first key moment of the match. Grzegorz Kosatka’s squad gained momentum, whilst the young Italians had a hard time. Neither at the net nor behind the service line the Pieragnoli team found their habitual rhythm. On the other side, Poland set the pace with exemplary fighting spirit. 
It needed several substitutions on Italy’s side to change the run of events. Especially second setter Carlotta Cambi gave the South Europeans new hope. Italy turned the tables in the middle of the third set what was definitely the second pivotal moment of today’s duel. In the fifth and deciding set, Italy continued their winning streak and never looked back (15-6). 

Italy head coach Luca Pieragnoli: “During the first two sets we did not play at the level we use to do. The Polish team looked much fresher. I’m happy that we finally came back strongly.”
Italy captain Ofelia Malinov: “We are very happy because we won a quite difficult match, especially after losing the first two sets.”
Poland head coach Grzegorz Kosatka: “Even though we have lost this match; we gave our best and fought till the end. Italy is a very strong team and it was hard to beat them. We’ll try to recover quickly, physically and mentally, to be back on duty tomorrow.”
Poland captain Paulina Baldyga: “We are very sad and disappointed. It hurts, but we need to forget it as soon as possible and prepare ourselves for the next match.”

The Czech Republic vs. Slovenia 1:3 (25-19, 13-25, 13-25, 24-26)

Greece vs. Montenegro 3:1 (25-23, 14-25, 25-20, 25-10)