Giannelli & Co. are growing beyond themselves

Simone Giannelli had expressly warned against the Canadians before the game and emphasized how important it was to start the tournament with a success. The Italians were able to put this plan into action at 9 a.m. local time (2 a.m. CEST). They defeated strong Canadians in the decisive tiebreak with 26:28, 18:25, 25:21, 25:18 and 15:11. Giannelli also played a large part in the success.

Because the Bolzano player was undoubtedly the best Azzurro throughout the entire game - together with the 19-year-old Alessandro Michieletto. At the same time, the veterans in the team, especially captain Ivan Zaytsev, initially revealed unusual weaknesses. Nevertheless, Italy managed to convert a 9:12 deficit into a 17:14 lead in the first period. It wasn't enough to win the set, because Canada fended off two set points and won the round 28:26. Azzurri initially had no chance Italy was now trying to react. However, they weren't lucky - also because Canada played extremely well and hardly made any mistakes. The North Americans quickly gained a valuable four-point lead in the second half of the game, which they never let go. The fact that coach Gianlorenzo Blengini ordered Zaytsev to the substitutes' bench at the end of the half was indicative of Italy's initially poor performance. Only Giannelli and the aforementioned Michieletto knew how to convince.

Simone Giannelli & Co. have shown character. © APA/afp / YURI CORTEZ

But even their performances could not hide the modest performance of the Italian team. It wasn't until the middle of the third set, after the Azzurri were already 6:10 behind, that the quality of Blengini's team began to shine. With their backs against the wall, the Italians, led by the unleashed Michieletto, played freely - and won the set 25:21 thanks to a block from Giannelli. The big Michieletto show Italy, who continued to play without Zaytsev, had now tasted blood. Suddenly Giannelli & Co. managed to defuse Canada's attacks and at the same time exert great pressure themselves. And again and again it was Michieletto and Giannelli who made the decisive adjustments. The Italian high resulted in an 18:10 lead, which was enough to force the game-winning tiebreak.

The tension was now noticeable, both teams increased their level - a tiebreak at eye level developed. Canada was ahead at first, but then Giannelli came on the scene and gave his team the interim lead with an ace. And who if not Michieletto should make the decision? The youngster from Desenzano del Garda completed the unexpected comeback with a remarkable point, which gave Italy the victory that Giannelli had demanded.

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Giannelli & Co. are growing beyond themselves

The Italian national team was given a great honor on Saturday: they were allowed to open the Olympic volleyball tournament in Tokyo with the first group game against Canada. At the end, the Azzurri celebrated despite being 0-2 down.

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