Qualification for the 2024 Olympic Games. Men

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Group A

October 3 (Tuesday). The third round

Italy - Ukraine - 3:0 (25:23, 25:16, 25:16)

Starting line-up of the National team of Ukraine: Poluian (scored 11 points), Synytsia (2), Semeniuk (8), Shchurov (3), Kovalov (6), Tupchii (6), Boiko (l), Kanaiev (l). Substitutes: Yevstratov (0), Kucher (0), Plotnytskyi (0).

Starting line-up of the national team of Italy: Gianelli (scored 2 points), Romano (9), Lavia (10), Micchieletto (20), Sanguinetti (3), Galassi (8), Balaso (l). Substituted: Moska (2).

The Ukrainians went to the match against the reigning world champion in the same lineup as in the previous confrontation: Poluian-Kovalov, Synytsia-Tupchii, Shchurov-Semeniuk, and Kanaiev as libero.

The Italians were also in the optimal composition, which was immediately demonstrated at the beginning of the match. Due to three consecutive blocks, our opponent broke away (3:6). "Blue-yellows" until the very end of the set were in the role of catching up. But they were able to equalize thanks to Poluian's ace and a frantic fight for every ball (22:22). However, at the decisive moment, the experience of volleyball players from Italy showed itself - 23:25.

The start of the second set was equal (4:4), but the Apennines quickly organized an advantage (3:7). The wards of Ugis Krastinš again managed to catch up with the famous opponent (11:11). But their own mistakes and good implementation of Italian attacks led to their leadership (12:17). Then the game of our team only worsened: errors in serving and receiving, lack of block and attack. In the end, 16:25 in favor of Italy.

The third set again started with an equal struggle (8:8), but Ferdinando di Giorgi's team again managed to make a breakthrough (8:12). Then the advantage of the Italians only grew (10:15). The point in the set and in the match was made by Alessandro Micchieletto - 16:25 and 0:3.

By the way, he became the best sniper of this meeting. Micheletto scored 20 points.

The most effective player in the Ukrainian national team was Tymofii Poluian (11 points).

On October 5 at 02:30 Kyiv time, the Ukrainians will play against the hosts of the tournament - the national team of Brazil.

Watch the online broadcast of the selection matches on the DIVISPORT.TV website and on the Megogo and Sweet.TV platforms.