Iran's volleyball players recorded only their second victory in this year's Nations League, but it came with confidence and on foreign soil. Roberto Piazza's team defeated the hosts from Serbia with a score of 3:1 (25:21, 25:19, 23:25, 25:23) in front of approximately 2500 spectators in the "Belgrade Arena" in their first match of the tournament in Group 6 in the second week. 🇷🇸🏐
After the success, the Iranians now have 2 wins, 3 losses, and 7 points, while Serbia remains last - 18th position - with 1 win, 4 losses, and only 3 points.
GAME BY GAME
🔹First set (25:21)
Iran started strong, dominating in attack and serve. Amin Esmaeilnezhad led with quick points, and Serbian attempts to react found no rhythm.
🔹Second set (25:19)
Piazza's distribution showed class. Excellent defense, quick counters, and new dominance in the serve gave confidence to the "Persians," while the Serbian team struggled to organize a stable attack.
🔹Third set (23:25)
Serbia, however, showed resistance. The block worked - especially Aleksandar Nedeljković, who closed the net on several key rallies. Dražen Luburić led with his serve, and the hosts brought back the intrigue.
🔹Fourth set (25:23)
An extremely even set with exchanges of leads. Iran once again showed more resilience in decisive moments, and Esmaeilnezhad was unstoppable, scoring important points at the end.
🔝
Iran:
🧨 Amin Esmaeilnezhad -31 pts.(incl. 2 blocks)
Morteza Sharifi –13 pts.(incl. 2 aces)
Porya Hossein –11 pts.(incl. 4 aces)
Serbia:
Drazen Luburic –18 pts.(incl. 2 aces)
Veljko Masulovic –13 pts.(incl. 1 block and 1 ace)
Aleksandar Nedeljkovic –13 pts.(impressive6 blocks)
| Element | Serbia | Iran |
|---|---|---|
| Attack points | 47 | 56 |
| Block | 15 | 11 |
| Service (aces) | 4 | 9 |
| Points from opponent's errors | 22 | 22 |
| Total points | 88 | 98 |
| Digs | 32 | 51 |
| Reception | 80 | 75 |
