MATCH INFO

Hamamatsu, Japan, November 29, 2011 - Italy had yet another difficult third round match in this 2011 FIVB Men’s World Cup with a tough four-set win over Argentina. The opening set was a marathon, but Italy managed to settle into a rhythm afterwards.

Argentina coach Javier Weber: First of all congratulations to Italy, they played better than Argentina today. In the first set Argentina served and attacked well. But after this Italy played with better serving. We had problems in serving and reception, and for us it’s not a good result today.

On facing the USA next in Tokyo: They are a very good team with consistent blocking and defense; very organized. For us it’s very important to play our style, and we expect too a very hard match against the USA.

Argentina captain Rodrigo Quiroga: For today’s game I think Italy played a perfect match in service, and we couldn’t play as we potentially can because they pressured us hard with service and blocked well. For the third round overall, I think it was totally negative as we lost all three matches and lost all the points. Now we have to think about four round in Tokyo, because these last three matches are important for us. The most difficult match is the first one against the USA.

On playing well early, and then dropping the next three sets: I don’t know why, perhaps we lost the focus maybe in the second set, and also the third set. AsIi said before they pressured us with very good serving. They have six jump servers who are very strong. That’s why our setter couldn’t play as he normally does. They had very good blocking also, and we just didn’t play [to our potential] in the second part of the match. We now have to think about next matches in Tokyo.

Italy coach Mauro Berruto: I’m happy about today. I expected much from Argentina today, as they play wonderful volleyball. The first set was a fight, one which we lost as a result of some mistakes. But I’m proud that we controlled the game, with three very good sets against Argentina, which is not easy. I’m happy to go to Tokyo and follow our dream to fight for an Olympic ticket. This match wasn’t easy. The second part of this match showed to everyone that this team has energy and is consistent physically and mentally, and I hope in last three matches those tools will serve us well.

Italy captain Cristian Savani: The third round has been very difficult with three tough games. We played well — we were beaten by Cuba, but we won the other games, so we’re satisfied with the result. We’re tired but we still expect a top three finish and an Olympic ticket. Our goal is to do as well as we can now in the final round.