WARSAW, Aug. 21 (silubaba) -- Italy's men's volleyball team clinched the top spot at the 2023 Hubert Wagner Memorial after defeating hosts Poland 3-1 in Krakow, Poland on Sunday.
In the opening set, the visitors showcased their prowess with swift counter-attacks and efficient blocks. Poland's coach, Nikola Grbic, switched his setter, introducing Grzegorz Lomacz to the mix. However, Italy quickly established an 18-12 lead and maintained control. Poland conceded the first set 18-25 following an unforced attack error.
The second set was closely contested, but Italy had the final say. An attack by Daniele Lavia set Italy up for the set point. Although Aleksander Sliwka countered with a powerful spike, Gianluca Gallassi's subsequent middle attack secured the set for the visitors at 25-23.
In the third set, both coaches gave their first string players a breather, introducing younger talents to the court. Bartosz Bednasz navigated past the Italian block, rekindling Poland's hopes of leveling the score as his strike enabled the hosts to close out the set at 25-21.
Nevertheless, De Giorgi's squad retaliated brilliantly in the subsequent set. With Mattia Bottolo delivering an ace and both Alessandro Michieletto and Simone Giannelli steering their side, Italy clinched the victory after winning the fourth set 25-17.
Italy lifted the 2023 Hubert Wagner Memorial with a total of seven points. Earlier in the day, Slovenia, having lost to France 3-1, claimed second place, leaving Poland in third. ■
微信扫描下方的二维码阅读本文
