The victory against the Slovenians helped the Italians get to nine wins and 25 points in the VNL standings. Currently in second place, they can no longer catch leaders Brazil (ten wins, 29 points), but are one win and two points above third-placed France (eight wins, 23 points). Ranked fourth with seven wins and 21 points, Poland can no longer be reached by the teams outside the qualification zone and are also guaranteed a place in the Finals.
With Brazil and hosts China already qualified as well, three spots are still up for grabs and will be assigned on Sunday, the last day of matches in the Preliminary Phase. Japan (seven wins, 20 points), Cuba (six wins, 19 points), Ukraine (six wins, 18 points), Bulgaria (six wins, 17 points), USA (six wins, 17 points), Slovenia (six wins, 17 points), Germany (five wins, 17 points) and Iran (five wins, 16 points) are all candidates to take them.
Opposite Kamil Rychlicki, with 13 points (eight kills, four aces, one block), outside hitter Alessandro Michieletto, with 12 (ten kills, one ace, one block), and middle blocker Simone Anzani, with ten (six blocks, four kills), were key players in the Italian victory on Saturday.
“It’s amazing,” said middle blocker Gianluca Galassi. “Being in the Finals is something we wanted very much and worked for. We’re happy about this and ready for the last match on Sunday. After that, we’ll try to prepare as well as we can for the Finals in China.”
