Ferdinando "Fefè" De Giorgi's Italy experienced a real shock in their match against Germany in the Volleyball Nations League. After two sets in which everything seemed lost, the "Azzurri" woke up, shaken by desperate substitutions, inspired by their captain Giannelli, and carried by the powerful opposite Yuri Romano, to achieve a complete comeback for a final 3:2 (21-25, 20-25, 25-19, 25-23, 15-11). An evening that began with chaos and uncertainty ended with applause and relief.

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From the start, Italy began with a promising 4:0 after a good serve from Bottolo, but this proved to be an illusion. Germany, organized and disciplined under the leadership of Michal Winiarski, reacted swiftly. The Germans not only erased the deficit but, with powerful blocks and accurate attacks from John and Rörs, took control of the first set – 25:21.

In the second set, Italy fell behind 10:15, disoriented and unfocused. Neither the starting lineup nor the rotations brought about a change. De Giorgi began a carousel of substitutions – Giannelli, Rychlicki, Sani, Recine appeared. Nothing worked. Germany closed the set 25:20. 0:2 and with no clear direction.

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The Italian coach introduced a new formation in the third set: Giannelli as setter, Gargiulo alongside Anzani in the middle, Sani and Porro on reception, Pace (making his national debut) as libero, and most importantly – Romano as opposite. From then on, the match took a different turn.

Italy emerged completely transformed in the third set. They led 10:5, attacks became more confident, and the serve troubled Germany. Giannelli conducted the game with enviable control, and Romano shone with 5 points and 83% success rate. The set concluded 25:19 and breathed life into the "Azzurri."

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The fourth set was a classic point-for-point war. Germany once again found a way to pull away at 15:18, but Romano and Porro led the Italian charge. Porro's block at 24:23 brought about an equalizer in the match – 2:2.

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In the fifth set, Italy soared – 3:0 after an ace from Romano and an attack from Sani. After 10:5, they never looked back. Germany mentally collapsed, and the Italians celebrated every point. The final – 15:11, and wild joy.

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Yuri Romanofinished with24 points - the undisputed MVP of the match.Poroadded17, andSani - 8, but with key plays in the tie-break. For GermanyJohnwas the top scorer with20 points, while Maase and Torwie added15 and 12.

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• Setter: Boninfante

• Opposite: Romano

• Outside Hitters: Bottolo, Porro

• Middle Blockers: Anzani, Sanguinetti

• Libero: Laurenzano

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• Setter: Zimmermann

• Opposite: John

• Outside Hitters: Rohrs, Mohwinkel

• Middle Blockers: Maase, Torwie

• Libero: Graven

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After the emotional marathon, Italy will face France on Friday night into Saturday. World champions against Olympic champions - a new clash of giants, but with many new faces on both sides. De Giorgi will have to decide: trust the stabilized formation or a new rotation? One thing is certain - Italy no longer has the right to such a false start.

photos:volleyballworld.com