Brazil and Italy hit first in Third Round

MILAN, Italy, October 8, 2014 - The first match of the third round of the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship Italy 2014 at Mediolanum Forum Assago saw World No. 1 Brazil defeating China while hosts Italy swept United States in the nightcap.

Brazil defeat China in straight sets 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-15) to make a huge step towards the semifinals.

Thaisa Menezes, Jaqueline Carvalho and Fe Garay led Brazil with 15 points each. Brazil had 11 blocks, China only two. The best China scorer was Ting Zhu with 10 kills. 

In front of 11.500 enthusiastic fans at Mediolanum Forum of Assago in Milan, Italy defeated the United States 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 25-20) to book another key win.

Italy's best scorer was Antonella Del Core with 15 points. Jordan Larson-Burbach and Kelly Murphy contributed 10 points each for USA.

Brazil coach Ze Roberto: We played very well today, especially in the most important moments we stayed well focused. I think our best skills are block, defense and serve and it helped us a lot today. 

China coach Lang Ping: Today we did our best but Brazil played better. We are a young team but we learned a lot from Brazil today. Now we have to think about the next match that will be another story.

Italy coach Marco Bonitta: I still can’t believe it’s real. I am really surprised about the result of the match. I had small hopes of beating such a strong team like USA, but my girls were fantastic. I am really proud of what they did tonight.

USA coach Karch Kiraly: Congratulations to the Italian team. They did a great job and put us in difficulty. We have to put aside a disappointing loss and prepare for the match against Russia.