Italy - Russia (The Olympics 2004)

Both teams are already qualified for quarter-finals before this game. Italy just needed one set to secure the second place in group B. Sergey Tetyukhin was unstoppable, but most importantly the Russian serving was excellent. Just 19 minutes after the beginning of the first set, Russia was celebrating an easy (25:16) win. Good blocking and serving was still the basis of another excellent Russian effort in the second set, making it difficult for Andrea Sartoretti and Matej Cernic to finish their attacks with efficiency. But Italy, knowing they needed to win at least one set, so they played better. Team guided by five-time-Olympian: Andrea Giani, who came off the bench, thanks his great spikes his team won (25:22). The scenario repeated itself in the fourth set. Italy was more determined and won (25:22) again. Italy's great morale helped them to build a margin during the tie-break and brought the score to (12:9) but this time it was time for the Russians to take action. Led by Sergey Baranov, Alexey Kazakov and thanks to two excellent spikes by Alexander Kosarev, Russia won against Italy (15:13). In the semi-final match they played again! Team coached by Gianpaolo Montali won without loosing any set. That was the best performance of Italian team in that tournament.

#AndreaSartoretti #MatejCernic #SergeyTetyukhin #AlexeyKazakov #SergeyBaranov #AlexanderKosarev #Italy #Russia #TheOlympics2004