On June 18 (Wednesday) at 8:30 AM Bulgarian time, Bulgaria will face Italy in their opening match of the second week of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL). The match will take place at the newly opened and futuristic "Kai Tak Arena" in Hong Kong, where the Group 5 tournament will be played with the participation of six teams: Bulgaria, Italy, China, Japan, Thailand, and the Czech Republic.
The team, led by Antonina Zetova, will face one of its toughest opponents – the reigning Olympic champions from Italy. Statistics are not in favor of the Bulgarians: in the last five official matches against Italy, we haven't won even a set, which highlights the dominance of the "Azzurre" in recent years.
Italy arrives determined, with a new look and four wins behind them
After recording four consecutive victories in the first week of the VNL in Rio de Janeiro, the Italian volleyball players, led by legendary coach Julio Velasco, arrive in Hong Kong with the ambition to solidify their position among the leaders in the standings. Currently, the "Azzurre" are second in the tournament, immediately after Japan.
Velasco decided to rest some of the starters and made strategic changes to the squad.Ekaterina Antropova, Miriam Sylla, and Alessia Orrowill not travel to Hong Kong, but will continue their preparation with the B national team at the Pavesi Center. They will be replaced by young players who will seek to break into the main formation.
Italy's squad for the Hong Kong tournament
Setters: Carlotta Cambi, Chidera Blessing Eze
Outside Hitters: Alice Degradi, Stella Nervini, Loveth Omoruyi, Gaia Giovannini
Middle Blockers: Benedetta Sartori, Anna Danesi (captain), Linda Nwakalor, Sara Fahr
Opposites:Paola Egonu, Adhu Malual
Liberos: Monica De Gennaro, Eleonora Fersino
Paola Egonureturns as the main scorer and will be a leading figure in the attack. With fresh additions such as Malual, Nervini, and Giovannini, Italy seeks a balance between experience and prospect.
photo:volleyballworld.com
