Italy wasn't participate always in WGP in early 90s. They wasn't the top 8 by that time. In a week earlier held in Macau, China won 3:0 to Italy in a very easy way.
Post-Match Commentary :
Italy head coach in 1997 was Julio Velasco, who trainned the men's team of Italy very well. He was also appointed as the head coach of Italy women volleyball team since 2024. China coach was the legendary coach Lang Ping who helped China won Rio Olympic gold medal in 2016.
Chinese side changed one lineup player in this match, #9 Li Yizhi (20yo, 1.79m) replaced #1 Lai Yawen (27yo, 1.87m). As the easy win a week ago made player and coach didn't expect Italians with such a big change. Set 1 was 11:6 led by China but Lang Ping didn't call a timeout until 11:11.
Chinese players able to defence Italian attack but the ball always digged back to opposite court. With the 196cm giant outside spiker in Italy, China suddenly in a less advantaged position and unable to score. Even Lang Ping adjusted the form using best blocker #1 Lai but mistakes in the 5th set made China lost to Italy first time in history.
18 сен 2024
