Cuba's Romero struggles to pass through the solid Italian blockers
Resistencia, Argentina, August 14, 2015 - With a marvelous blocking performance, Italy enjoyed a perfect start at FIVB Boys’ U19 World Championship in Argentina with a 3-0 (25-17, 25-17, 25-16) win over Cuba in Resistencia. The Azzurri are coming back to this age group category after a four-year absence and gathered their first three points in Pool B.
Captain Gianluca Galassi and fellow middle-blocker Gabriele Di Martino transformed into walls and led the charge for Italy, combining with 11 blocks for a total of 18 in the team - including the final block by Di Martino. Spikers Davide Cester and Paolo Zonca completed the quest for an ideal start.
On the Cuban side, Miguel López Castro (12 kills) and reserve player José Romero González contributed with sparks at some moments of the game, but the team failed to keep their focus and crucial mistakes eased the way for Italy.
On Day 2 action, Italy will play again in the opening match, this time against another NORCECA team as Mexico. Cuba will move to the second shift and face world's top team and current silver medallist China.