Italy sets up final clash against Brazil after beating China in FIVB GP Finals

Italy sets up a final clash against Brazil in 2017 FIVB Grand Prix Finals in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, after beating Chinese women's national volleyball team 3-1 in a semifinal on August 5, 2017. [Photo: CFP]

Italy set up a final clash against defending champion Brazil in 2017 FIVB Grand Prix Finals in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, on Saturday night by beating host China 3-1 in a semifinal.

Paola Egonu once again stepped up for Italy in their 18-25, 25-23, 25-22, 27-25 win over China by scoring 26 points. The Bosetti sisters - Caterina and Lucia - combined for six of Italy's 13 total blocks.

Instead of the right wrist injury, Chinese star Zhu Ting had 21 points to lead the Chinese team, Zhang Changning and Liu Xiaotong added 13 and 10 respectively.

China's head coach An Jiajie said that the loss of China is a good lesson for the young players. "Today we played not good enough. We won the first set because the Italians committed too many mistakes," commented An, "I told player to put pressure on offense but obviously they didn't do it good."

"This is a lesson for the young players, as well as a lesson for me." said An, who took the place of head coach as Lang Ping was under the recovery of knees surgery.

Italy will make their third World Grand Prix finals appearance and will look to improve on their two second place finishes in 2004 and 2005. 

"It is a great opportunity for us to play the final again in the Grand Prix," said Davide Mazzanti, head coach of Italy, "Today we made some mistakes, but the players played with great attitude. It is a great opportunity to play Brazil again in the Grand Prix."

In the other semifinal on Saturday, Brazil eliminated Serbia 20-25, 25-23, 25-14, 25-23 to advance into the finals of the tournament. Tandara Caixeta boosted the Brazilian offence with 24 points.

Serbia's Boskovic Tajana had a brilliant performance as she top the game with 31 points, including 24 spikes, four blocks and three aces. Rasic Milena added 13. Serbia has nobody to blame but themselves by losing game as they committed 26 errors during the one hour 50 minutes game, the Brazilians had 14.

The victory gave Brazil the opportunity to defend their title in the World Grand Prix. They have previously won the World Grand Prix 11 times and have been runners-up for five times.