Gurabo, Puerto Rico, September 16, 2015 – Italy overcame Serbia 3-1 (19-25, 25-21, 25-20, 25-15) in a match of Pool E at the FIVB Volleyball Women’s U20 World Championship on Wednesday.
Both teams have now 1-1 win-loss record with chances of advancing to the semifinal round of the competition.
Anna Danesi had seven blocks among her 17 points for Italy while Paola Egonu registered six aces and finished with 16 points. Sara Lozo and Bojana Milenkovic finished with 18 and 15, respectively, for Serbia.
Italy plays winless Russia on Thursday while Serbia meets Brazil who has a 2-0 record but only 5 points.
Serbia came from behind to take the first set 25-19 after trailing 16-13 at the second technical time-out. They tied at 16-all with a majestic spike by Aleksic and dominated the rest of the way with Lozo carrying the torch.
Egonu served a cannon-shot for an Italian 8-5 lead in the second set and they increased to 16-8 at the second technical time out when Zanette blocked Milenkovic. Serbia battled back driven by Milenkovic and Lozo but Italy took the set 25-21 following the spike by D’Odorico.
Italy broke a 7-7 tied score with a smart subtle attack by setter Cambi. Egonu’s spikes carried the Italian side to a 16-11 lead at the second TTO. D’Odorico and Zanette provided breathing room and Italy clinched the third set 25-20 with the spike by Danesi.
A fine series of serves by Zanette sent Italy to an 8-2 lead in the fourth set. The difference swollen to 16-3 and Italy won it 25-15.