VNL: ‘Familiarity’ helps Italy dominate Slovenia in sweeping fashion

MANILA, Philippines—Italy made quick work of Slovenia after three sets, 25-13, 25-22, 25-17, in the Volleyball Nations League at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay on Friday.

Led by Yuri Romano, who finished with 16 points, the Italians only needed an hour and 26 minutes to deal the Slovenians their fourth loss in 11 outings.

The opposite spiker explained that their familiarity with the Slovenians was key for the Italians to improve to an 8-3 record in the VNL.

“They’re a very good team. We played a lot of times against them so we know them very well. It was still difficult since they’re, again, a great team but we did our own things very well,” said Romano.

In the third set, the Slovenians looked to make a comeback rally after the tying the game at 13.  However, the Italians would go on a game-ending 11-3 blitz capped off by a successful kill by Daniele Lavia.

Klemen Čebulj scored on a crosscourt kill for Slovenia but that proved to be their last gasp as Roberto Russo shut the door on them with a spike of his own.

Lavia and Alessandro Michieletto contributed to Romano’s outburst in offense with 13 points each of their own.

The Slovenians, meanwhile, relied on Čebulj with 13 markers but to no avail. Tine Urnaut also contributed 10 in a losing effort.

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