China delivered a clutch performance to ultimately prevail through consistent execution and strategic plays, securing a tight 3-0 (28-26, 25-22, 25-21) victory over Italy in the 2024 WPV Women’s Super 6 at Parc des Sports de Vandoeuvre in Nancy.
The match began with China establishing an early lead, though Italy quickly matched their intensity, preventing the Asian side from pulling ahead significantly. The teams were locked in a tight contest, exchanging points and leads frequently. At 7-all, Francesca Bosio’s back row hit granted Italy their first lead.
The battle continued with multiple ties and lead changes, each not exceeding a two-point difference. An error from Eva Ceccatelli, hitting out of bounds, allowed China a three-point edge that prompted an Italian timeout. Ceccatelli redeemed herself later, narrowing the gap to 18-17 with a precise attack from the right. Italy gained momentum, taking a 20-18 lead courtesy of Sara Cirelli’s powerful spike. The standoff persisted, culminating at 26-all. China’s Wang Yanan and Xu Yixiao delivered decisive spikes, clinching the set 28-26.
Italy started strong in the second set, surging to a 5-1 lead. However, China quickly recouped and levelled the score at 8-all. The evenly matched sides engaged in a tight encounter midway through the set. Italy held a 16-13 advantage before China mounted a strong offensive run, seizing the lead. Tang Xuemei’s back row attack extended China’s lead to 19-17. Maintaining their momentum, China closed the set at 25-22, despite Italy’s efforts to regain control.
China opened the third set with a commanding hit from Xu, followed by an ace from Tang. Italy responded through Ceccatelli’s service, eventually leading 13-9. China quickly erased this deficit, with Xu levelling the score at 14-all. As China led 19-17, they maintained their advantage, with Xu delivering a powerful spike to conclude the match at 25-21.
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