On the court of the ‘Defence’, the Azzurri of volleyball strike the first noble blow against the Olympic champions of Brazil: the final result is 3 to 1 after a match full of quality and spectacular plays. The two ‘giants of volleyball’ had promised battle and showcase, and they delivered on that promise.
First set
Brazil starts very strong, more focused at the net (4 -1 and 11-7), while the Azzurri of Fefé De Giorgi seem almost timid in the face of the Olympic champions. Giannelli tries to vary the play by stimulating the middle and opposite hitters, but fails to find the right key to ‘break through’ the opponent’s block. Despite everything, the Azzurri do not ‘drop the set’ and cling to the first fraction with the attacks of Romanò and Michieletto. The first tie comes at 19-all with a ‘monster block’ from Galassi: it shows that the differences on the court are indeed thin. Michieletto signs the overtaking (21 to 20) right at the hottest moment of the match, which continues point by point. At 23 all, every ball is hot, and it’s the Azzurri of Fefé De Giorgi who take the first step (24-23) towards winning the set. The triple block seals the first fraction.
Olympics Paris 2024 – Volleyball: Italy-Brazil – 27/07/2024 (afp)
Second set
Building on the momentum of the first set, Giannelli and his teammates try to slow down the second set, attempting to do so by raising their block and forcing the serve. They almost succeed: 5-1 and 7-4. But Brazil, led by Darlan, is a team that never gives up: a quick set by Lucas puts the South Americans back in the game, tying at 12 with an ace from the usual Darlan.
For Brazil, the team on the court in the second fraction, there was little to do: the Azzurri were too concrete, capable of suffering, varying the play, and defending much better than in the first fraction, taking a double lead (16 to 13 and 19 – 14). A few thrills and nothing more under the net in Paris, where it is crucial not to lose the serve change. Two set balls wasted by the Azzurri increase the adrenaline on the court, leaving Brazil the chance to reach 24 at a crucial moment in the set. A terrible setting error made in Italy puts the Brazilians ahead (25 to 26). Overtaking and counter-overtaking follow, with Michieletto’s block doubling up and closing the set at 27 to 25.
Olympics Paris 2024 – Volleyball: Italy-Brazil – 27/07/2024 (Fivb)
Third set
The ‘danger averted’, that of throwing away a set dominated from start to point 24, actually relaxed Fefé De Giorgi’s boys, who returned to the court too ‘light’ both in serve and reception, and the partial flew by without them even noticing: 12 to 7. Romanò ‘underwhelming’, Giannelli inaccurate (substituted by Sbertoli), and Michieletto declining effectively gifted energy to Brazil, which began to soar above the net, taking advantage of the Azzurri’s difficulties. Russo’s blocks were of no avail: the set slipped away too soon because mistakes – including in service – left the court open for Lucarelli (of Italian descent) and company (19-14; 23-16 and 25-18). Nothing to do; it’s a ‘stop’ for the Azzurri, and they return to the court for the fourth set.
Olympics Paris 2024 – Volleyball: Italy-Brazil – 27/07/2024 (Fivb)
Fourth set
Avoiding the tie-break is the categorical imperative for the Azzurri, while it is the goal for the green and yellow. The opposing necessities guarantee a showcase of quality, and for this reason, neither of the two teams on the court managed to pull away. Forgetting the errors – including trivial ones – and the ease of scoring, a new challenge began with Romanò and Michieletto as well as Lucarelli and Darlan shining. The 6 to 6 score reflects what was seen on the court, with Giannelli once again inspired and the Brazilian defense able to surpass itself.
It was at the net that the set began to tilt, and the Azzurri’s performance proved nearly insurmountable: Galassi was almost perfect in his choices at the net, as were Giannelli’s savvy sets. Italy moved ahead 15 to 11, almost an option for the set and subsequent match win. A splendid exchange at 19 to 16 for the Azzurri ended with the point for the Brazilians: textbook volleyball applied with attacks, defenses, blocks, and tips. And the consequent applause from the 12,000 spectators, all on their feet. A service error from Brazil certifies the first victory of Fefé De Giorgi’s National Team at the Olympics. It’s 3 to 1, and the path to the second round is now downhill: a good start.