Italy Secures Second Victory Against Ukraine in Koszalin

KOSZALIN (POLAND) - Italy has achieved its second consecutive win. Following their success against France, Julio Velasco's Italian team defeated Ukraine 3-1 (18-25, 25-14, 25-22, 25-20) at the Sport and Entertainment Hall, securing their second victory at the Agata Mróz-Olszewska Memorial. The match was intense, with Italy demonstrating consistency and resilience even during challenging moments, thus advancing their preparation for the European Championships.

The game was marked early in the second set by an untimely exit from the court of Loveth Omoruyi. The Italian outside hitter sustained an injury during an action at the net, falling awkwardly. She was subsequently carried off the court on a stretcher for initial assessments.

Tomorrow, Thursday, August 13th, at 6 PM, Italy will face the host nation, Poland, in the concluding match of the international tournament in Koszalin.

For the match against Ukraine, Coach Velasco opted for Cambi as setter, Egonu as opposite, Giovannini and Omoruyi as outside hitters, Nwakalor and Meli as middle blockers, and Spirito as libero. Ukraine's coach, Głuszak, fielded Sharhorodska as setter, Danchak at position 2, Milenko and Pavlyk as outside hitters, Meliushkyna and Kotar in the middle, and Boiko as libero.

Italy started strongly, leading 5-0, but Ukraine responded with a 0-9 run, highlighted by Meliushkyna and Danchak. The Italian team struggled with Ukraine's aggressive serves (7-14). Nervini was substituted for Giovannini. Italy's middle play was effective with Meli and Nwakalor making a difference (11-15). The pace of the game increased as Italy chased the score and Ukraine's serves became increasingly dangerous (12-19). Italy improved in all aspects and re-entered the game with contributions from Nervini and Egonu (18-23), but two points from Danchak closed the first set (18-25).

At the beginning of the second set, as mentioned, Omoruyi was injured with the score at 3-1. Giovannini replaced her. The Italian team maintained a lead throughout the set, continuing to play with quality and character (19-13), putting their opponents under pressure. In the final stages, Italy secured the set comfortably at 25-14 with a parallel hit from Egonu. The score was now 1-1.

The third set was highly balanced, with Italy and Ukraine exchanging points closely (9-9). Italy then increased their intensity, taking a 16-11 lead. Egonu was relentless in attack (19-14), and Cambi executed her playmaking perfectly. Spirito delivered a strong performance in the back row. On the other side, Dorsman used her experience to bring Ukraine back into the game (20-17), but Italy then made a decisive run to take the set 25-22, putting them ahead 2-1.

The start of the fourth set also saw both teams tied (11-11). Italy raised the tempo of their play, with Egonu hitting hard in attack, Nwakalor and Meli being attentive and effective in the middle, and Giovannini ensuring quality in reception (20-17). The Italian team was formidable in attack, and an unforced service error from Ukraine (25-20) secured their second consecutive victory on Polish soil.

Anna Danesi's words

"We understand the importance of this tournament, especially for those who have played less, but in general for the whole team, it's an opportunity to play before the European Championships. Today, unfortunately, Loveth's injury occurred, and we are immensely sorry. It should never happen. We have played two good matches these days, and tomorrow we will face Poland, the host nation. The level will continue to rise, and we will continue to improve."

She then looked ahead to the upcoming continental championship:

"We will approach these European Championships gradually, I think, game by game. First, we will focus on the teams awaiting us in Sweden, and then as we progress, we will think about the rest. There are still some things to refine, in my opinion, but we are on the right track. The group is good, always eager to work, and we are also challenging ourselves after the VNL bronze, but we are motivated to start this European Championship."

Match Summary

ITALY-UKRAINE 3-1 (18-25, 25-14, 25-22, 25-20)

ITALIA: Meli 11, Cambi 8, Spirito (L), Fersino (L) ne, Orro ne, Danesi ne, Nwakalor 10, Nervini 11, Sylla ne, Egonu 21, Fahr ne, Omoruyi 2, Giovannini 5, Antropova ne. Coach: Velasco

UKRAINE: Milenko 15, Meliushkyna 7, Lutsenko (L) ne, Pavlyk 11, Dorsman 6, Parfonova 1, Nudha ne, Danchak 16, Fedyk ne, Sharhorodska 5, Artyshuk, Zharkova ne, Boiko (L), Dymar ne, Kotar 3. Coach: Jakub Głuszak

REFEREES: Piotr Skowronski (Pol), Pawel Sosnowski (Pol)

Duration: 24', 27', 26', 23'. Total: 100'

Italy: 9 aces, 6 errors, 7 blocks; Ukraine: 7 aces, 13 errors, 7 blocks.