Osaka, Japan, September 18, 2015 –
Italy remained hot on the heels of Poland and USA with a straight sets (25-18, 25-22, 25-16) win over Venezuela at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Cup Japan 2015 in Osaka on Thursday.
It was an error-strewn match, with Venezuela committing 29 to Italy’s 25. Filippo Lanza topped scored on 15 points with Kervin Pinerua picking up nine for the opponents.
It was all Italy in the opening set as they started strong, with Lanza penetrating the block regularly. The two sides were almost equal on errors, but a two point advantage on aces and eight on attack was the difference as they took the opener.
Italy continued their onslaught in the second, pouncing to a 13-9 lead after a rotation violation. Venezuela took advantage of some Italian errors and the pressure began to build on the world No.4 as they began to draw even. But a cool set from Giannelli gave Lanza an unmissable chance to spike and he delivered.
Venezuela began to click in the third set, causing Italy to commit several errors and allowing the world No.27 to take a 10-7 lead. The Italians tightened up, allowing Venezuela fewer options and they eventually took the lead 16-15. From there Italy took an unassailable lead at 24-18 and a Giannelli spike gave them the match.
