Super Zaytsev propels Italy to first Olympic final in 12 years

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 19, 2016 – Italy will be playing in their first Olympic Games final since Athens 2004 and their third overall histrocally, after an intense and spectacular win 3-2 (30-28, 26-28, 9-25, 25-22, 15-9) over the Beijing 2008 gold medallists USA.In an amazing performance, with rallies that really have to be seen to be believed, Italy countered USA’s prowess in blocking (16 stuffs to 7) with an exceptional serving performance of 10 aces to 5.In Sunday’s final Italy will meet either Brazil or Russia, who clash in the other semifinal of the competition, tonight at 22:15.USA follow the fate of their women’s team and will play for bronze against the loser of this evening’s other semifinal.With Italy trailing by four at 19-23 in the first set, Ivan Zaytsev got a kill for the sideout and then stepped up to the service. He pounded the American reception, including a direct ace and two spectacular digs, and got Italy back in the game at 23-23. It took five cancelled USA set balls before Emanuele Birarelli served two aces (one on Aaron Russell that had to be overturned by a linesman after the refs totally missed the touch and a second one on Taylor Sander after the brief interruption to get the first one sorted) to push Italy ahead.The London 2012 bronze medallists were on track to extend their lead, as …

continue reading in source www.fivb.org