Rio: Outsider Iran should not become a stumbling block for Italy

After the brilliant performances in the preliminary round, where the “Azzurri” swept away the volleyball powers France and the USA, but also hosts Brazil, like a hurricane, the Italians go into the quarter-finals as the clear favorites. On paper, the roles seem to be clearly assigned: Blengini's team moved into the knockout phase as group winners in Group A, while Iran, as fourth in Group B, barely jumped on to the quarter-finals. The last meeting between the two teams on July 2nd was also clearly won by Italy 3-0. Anything other than an Italian victory would be a big surprise - expectations in our own country have also increased increasingly after the convincing group games. Nevertheless, Simone Giannelli warns in the run-up to the game of an “unpleasant opponent with a talented player.” In addition, the Iranians' strong service should not be underestimated. The 20-year-old knows only too well that the cards are reshuffled in the knockout phase of a major tournament: “The games really start with the game against Iran. But we are ready and will give everything.”

Minor injury concerns for the Italians - quarter-finals live on Rai 2 National coach Gianlorenzo Blengini is somewhat worried about his own middle block. Since Matteo Piano is out for the quarter-finals and Emanuele Birarelli is not yet fully fit after his injury against the USA, Simone Buti is the only trained middle blocker available. In the game against Iran - as in the final group game against Canada - Oleg Antonov could play in this position. Otherwise, all proven forces at the “Azzurri” are ready for action. If Giannelli and Co. survive the quarter-finals, which will be broadcast live on Rai 23 at 2 p.m., the winner of the USA against Poland game awaits in the semi-finals. This semi-final is scheduled for Friday.

Olympic volleyball tournament in Rio – the tournament tree at a glance*: Quarterfinals Wednesday, August 17: Canada – Russia (15 p.m.) Wednesday, August 17: USA – Poland (19 p.m.) Wednesday, August 17th: Italy – Iran (23 p.m.) Thursday, August 18: Brazil – Argentina (3.15:XNUMX a.m.) semifinals Friday, August 19th: USA/Poland – Italy/Iran Saturday, August 20: Canada/Russia – Brazil/Argentina 3rd place match Sunday, August 21st (14.30:XNUMX p.m.) Final Sunday, August 21st (18.15:XNUMX p.m.) *All times are in CEST

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Rio: Outsider Iran should not become a stumbling block for Italy

The knockout phase of the volleyball tournament at the Olympic Games in Rio begins this evening. The Italian national team around Bolzano player Simone Giannelli will face Iran in the round of the last eight from 23 p.m.

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