Simone Gianelli (far right) and his teammates have every reason to be happy. © APA / AFP / Yuri Cortez

Italy’s volleyball men have already bought their quarterfinals for the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

30 July 2021

Author: Mr.

Azurri prevailed against Iran after 2:13 hours on Friday with a 3:1 (30:28, 25:21, 21:25 and 25:21). Simone Giannelli & Co. have already booked tickets for the final 8 rounds of the fourth group game. The final match against Venezuela (Sunday, at 9.25 a.m.) is about the best possible starting position for the quarter-finals.

Giannelli bites his teeth

In Italy, Giannelli cleaved his teeth again despite a hamstring injury in a game against Canada. “I’m still in pain. But we’re here at the Olympics. It’s the team that matters, so it’s important to cut your teeth and not complain,” said Giannelli before the game.

Once again showed his class: Osmani Jutorena (left). © APA / AFP / Yuri Cortez

In the crucial match against Iran on Friday, Bojner showed how important he is to this team. The South Tyrol player skillfully staged his main attackers time and again and was able to contribute 3 points himself. 36-year-old Osmani Jutorena (20) once again booked the highest number of points. There remains one small downfall for Italy: captain Ivan Zaitsev was ruled out in the fourth set due to knee problems.

Italy is now second in Group A with 8 points. World champions Poland (10 points) are on top, while Canada (7) and Japan (6) are in third and fourth place respectively.

Italy – Iran 3:1

Italy: Juantorena 20, Zaytsev 12, Gianelli 3, Piano 4, Colasi (L), Micheleto 12, Galasi 10, Azani 3, Kover, Vettori 5, Lavia, Cebertoli.

Iran: Ebadipur 12, Marouflakrani, Mousavi 8, Gholmi, Ghafoor 11, Kazemi 12, Sharifi 2, Mojrad 5, Salehi 14, Marandi (L), Salehi (L), Karimisouchelmai 2.