Italy
Italy defeated Germany in four sets in Week 1 (Pool 4) match that was held in the city of Kraljevo, Serbia despite committing 13 errors more than their rivals (35-22).
The “Azzurri” struggled against the current CEV European Championship silver medalists (deprived of help from Georg Grozer in Week 1) Germany only in the fourth set although they had a comfortable lead in it – 3-1 (25-18, 25-19, 23-25, 25-20).
Ivan Zaytsev marked his comeback to Italy national team after two years with 20 points to become the best scorer of the match. Unlike his role in the Sir Safety Conad Perugia, in which he plays as an outside hitter, “The Zar” returned to playing as an opposite for the national team. Simon Hirsch top scored Germany with 13 points while Marcus Böhme added 4 kill blocks.
Japan proved too strong for Australia in Pool 1 in Rouen, France – 3-1 (25-18, 25-15, 23-25, 25-17).
Haku Ri highlighted Japan with 18 points (3 kill blocks, 4 aces). Masahiro Yanagida served 4 aces. Nehemiah Mote scored 16 points for “Volleyroos”.
To see complete results, stats, and standings, visit our FIVB Volleyball Nations League 2018 / Male / Seniors page.
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