Verona, Italy, June 14, 2015 - Italy took revenge for their loss to Australia on Friday, picking up the second leg 3-0 (26-24, 25-21, 25-23).
Tonight in Verona wasn't just about the rivalry in World League. Italy decided to honour the memory of a former national team player Vigor Bovolenta, who died shortly after a match back in 2012. An Italian Miriam Masala performed on this occasion after the 2nd set.
Three powerful spikes gave Italy early lead at 3-1, quickly covered by Australia at 5-5. Italy kept taking the lead, chased by the guest team, but remained 16-12 by the second technical time-out. Azzurri took their 2 point lead up until Australia tied at 24-24. Double touch on the guest's side gave Italy the first set 26-24.
Australia opened the second set with 8-6 at the first technical time-out. Sabbi's powerful block gave Italy 10-10 and forced Australia to take the time-out when the hosting team took the lead. Mistakes on Australia's side let Italy to go 18-14 ahead. Sanderson fought back, scoring 2 aces and with the help from Williams Australia tied at 20-20. Yet again two mistakes made by team Australia at the end of the set gave Italy the victory.
Third set began with 6-3 for Italy when Zaytsev scored in diagonal attack. Australia tied up at 7-7 and the game continued point by point, when the emotions took over both teams and forced referees to show a couple of yellow cards. Italy led 16-15 at the 2nd technical time-out. Tough game point by point, but Australia gave Italy match point with an error in attack. Alletti sealed the deal with the block, closing the set at 25-23.