After an all square match with Italy on Friday, the Chinese team was suffered a big blow by the visiting team in the second clash Sunday in the 13th International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) World League.
The visiting Italy team produced a scintillating attacking display to seal a deserved 25-20, 25-18, 25-23 victory over China, their defensive pressure held the Chinese side scoreless and forced them to miss a lot attacks.
Italy, the eight-time winner of the World League, took the lead after they won the first set 25-20. China attempted to keep strenuous momentum as they displayed in the first match but Italy again took the advantage by winning the second one 25-18.
China launched the final counterattack in the winning set, but Italian's serving and blocking didn't give the young Chinese team, whose average age was just under 23, any chances and outpointed their counterparts 25-23.
Di Anhe, head coach of the Chinese team, said after the game that China's fast attacking was suppressed by Italy and that caused mental chaos for the young players.
China's next match will face Spain, another team in the Pool B, in 6th July at Gijon, Spain.
(People's Daily July 1, 2002)
