Italy quickly established domination on the court, storming the first set on a 13-3 run. Gradually, China got into rhythm, which was only enough for a total of 16 points in the first set. Italy’s outside hitter Myriam Sylla closed the first set directly from the serving line with an ace. Her Chinese counterpart Zhuang Yushan had a major contribution to levelling the match in the second set, especially with the three aces she fired. With five points in a row, China broke away with a 17-13 lead, and although the Italians managed to get back to within one after denying the first Chinese set point, their star opposite Paola Egonu handed it away with a serve in the net for 25-23.
China stormed set three on a 3-0 run, but Italy managed not only to catch up, but also to open a three-point lead of their own at 15-12 and widened it to 17-13, before the home team rebalanced the scoreboard with four points in a row. The Europeans maintained a small advantage in the last part of the set. Finally, a blistering attack by 22-year-old outside Stella Nervini brought in set point, and a swing out of bounds by her Chinese counterpart Tang Xin ended the set at 25-22 Italy’s way. The fourth set was completely one-sided, with the world and Olympic champs in full control of the game. Ekaterina Antropova was on fire, scoring in attack, in blocking and in serving, and leading the team to a 25-13 close, herself hitting the match winner.
