Eurovolley2023: Italy and The Netherlands (after an amazing five-sets-battle against Germany) secure quarterfinal spots

In Round of 16 in Bari, which started today, hosts and titleholders Italy comfortably defeat North Macedonia in a clear 3-0.

In front of 5,125 spectators at Palaflorio, they down a modest rival without major problems, partially 25:20, 25:12, and 25:15.
The man of the match was Daniele Lavia, who scored 16 points through an impressive 87% including 2 winning blocks and 1 ace, while Alessandro Michieletto and Yuri Romanò both added 12 points.
North Macedonia’s Aleksandar Ljaftov scored 10 points with only 42% in attack, and he was the only player in double digit for his team.
The game was a monologue, with Italy who take the led from the very beginning of first set, marked by 6 points from Michieletto and 63% in attack, and as many as 6 winning blocks that made the difference.
North Macedonia disappered in second set with a terrible reception (18% perfect, 36% positive), ended 25:12.
The same happened also in third set. Errors, lot of errors, with Italy fliyng 6-2, and then even 17-8 and, finally, 25-15.

| PHOTOGALLERY OF THE MATCH

Following Italy’s triumph over North Macedonia, No.2 in Pool C the Netherlands locked horns with No.3 in Pool A Germany in an exciting encounter.
The Dutch managed to celebrate a nail-biting 3-2 win (25:20, 25:23, 22:25, 18:25, 15:12), greatly thanks to Nimir Abdel-Aziz’s outstanding performance made of 18 points, above all in the tie break, including the one that marked the decisive break.
Despite György Grozer’s remarkable 22 points and a collection of stellar points, making him the top scorer of the match, Germany’s desperate comeback from a 0-2 deficit was ultimately halted by the unstoppable Nimir in the decisive 5th set.
This sets the stage for a thrilling quarterfinal on Tuesday, September 12, with the clash against Italy.

| PHOTOGALLERY OF THE MATCH

The excitement in Bari isn’t over just yet, as the Round of 16 will close with two more matches: tomorrow, in fact, Poland, the winners of Pool C will face No.4 of Pool A Belgium, while No.2 of Pool A Serbia will play against No.3 of Pool C Czech Republic.

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🏐| CEV EUROVOLLEY 2023 | All results of September 9

ROUND OF 16 | Palace of Culture and Sports | Varna 🇧🇬
• 17.30 (Local Time) | Slovenia (1B) – Türkiye (4D) 3-2 (20:25, 22:25, 25:21, 25:23, 15:13)
• 20.30 (Local Time) | Portugal (2D) – Ukraine (3B) 0-3 (20:25, 19:25, 22:25)

👉🏼ROUND OF 16 | Palaflorio | Bari 🇮🇹

• 18.00 (Local Time) | Italy (1A) – North Macedonia (4C) 3-0 (25:20, 25:12, 25:15)
| PHOTOGALLERY OF THE MATCH