The ubiquitous Julio Velasco reached the Olympic summit after a punishing action against the Americans - 3:0 sets
Today, August 11, on the last day of the Olympic Games program in Paris, the long-awaited final in the women's volleyball tournament was played between the teams of the current Olympic champion USA and the contender for the crown Italy. The dream match pitted both the two best teams in the world at the moment, and two legendary names in the coaching profession - the coach of the "Azzurre" is the Argentinian specialist Julio Velasco, while on the bench of the "Yankees" is the phenomenal former volleyball player and coach Karch Kiraly. The American is the only Olympic champion both as a player in indoor and outdoor volleyball, and as a coach in both disciplines.
The starting lineups of the two teams were as follows:
USA:Jordyn Poulter, Andrea Drews, Avery Skinner, Kathryn Plummer, Haleigh Washington, Chiaka Ogbogu and libero Justine Wong-Orantes
Italy:Alessia Orro, Paola Egonu, Miriam Sylla, Caterina Bosetti, Anna Danesi, Sarah Fahr and libero Monica De Gennaro
The first set started in a great way for "Squadra Azzurra" - the inspired Italians forged a 5-point lead at 6:1. In the following minutes, they maintained their advantage, and at 12:6 for the opponent, the legendary coach of the Americans Karch Kiraly took his first timeout in the set and the match. After an ace by Miriam Sylla, Italy's lead swelled to 8 at 15:7.
The nightmarish development of the set shocked the Olympic champions, who began to play more concentrated and reduced their deficit at 15:19. The strong minutes in the American half forced Italy's coach Julio Velasco to call his first timeout in the set at that moment. "Squadra Azzurra" timely blocked USA's attempts for anything more serious in this first set, reaching 7 set points at 24:17. Paola Egonu ended the first set with a good attack - 25:18.
The Italians made 4 block points against none for the Americans, with aces being equal - 2 to 2.
The second set started completely evenly, with a slight lead first for the USA, then for Italy. It was the "Azzurre" who first forged a more serious lead - 12:9. At this score, Karch Kiraly took his first timeout in the second set. Despite this, "Squadra Azzurra" continued to completely control the situation on the court, their advantage was constant - 3-4 points, and at one point it reached 5 at 21:16. The brilliant play of the Italian setter Alessia Orro completely disarmed the Americans in defense. Ekaterina Antropova, who came in for Paola Egonu, scored a point that gave "Squadra Azzurra" set point at 24:19. Italy also closed the second set after 25:20, thus comfortably leading the score 2:0 in sets.
The third set also started point-for-point, but again the Italians were the first to pull ahead by 3 points - 9:6. Karch Kiraly reacted instantly and called his first timeout in the set at this score. To his regret, this did not yield results and Italy won 2 more points. The USA coach was forced to take his second timeout in the third set early at 11:6. In these minutes, the "golden" Alessia Orro broke the Americans' reception with several good serves. After a few exchanged points, Italy's coach Julio Velasco took a timeout with a 4-point lead - 15:11. An ace by Ekaterina Antropova increased the Italians' lead to 6 - 20:14, and after a direct point from Miriam Sylla's serve, "Squadra Azzurra" led by 7 at 22:15. The "Azzurre" reached championship match point at 24:16, sealing their Olympic title on their second attempt - 25:17 and a championship victory with 3:0 sets!
Italy is unequivocally the new Olympic champion in women's volleyball!
The legendary Argentinian Julio Velasco finally triumphed with Olympic gold, which was the only thing missing from his phenomenal collection.
photos :volleyballworld.com
