Lausanne, Switzerland, May 29, 2018 - Italy eye a return to victories (after losing to Japan in five sets on Tuesday) when they take on Argentina on Wednesday on matchday 8 of the 2018 FIVB Volleyball Nations League. But the South Americans are still seeking their first win in the competition (and first set in five matches) and moreover have never beaten Italy in seven encounters.
Head-to-Head
• Italy have won all seven matches versus Argentina at world level major tournaments.
• The women's world level major competitions are: the VNL, Olympic Games, World Championships, World Cup, World Grand Prix and Grand Champions Cup.
• At world level, Italy have not played more matches against specific opponents, and kept a perfect record, than in these seven matches versus Argentina.
• Argentina twice claimed a set against Italy, most recently at the 2011 World Grand Prix.
Argentina
• Argentina are the only team left without a victory at the 2018 VNL.
• Argentina have failed to win a single set in their last five matches at the VNL.
• The last time Argentina failed to win a set in six successive major world level matches was at the 2003 World Cup (7 in a row). This run also included a 3-0 defeat to Italy.
• At each of their previous eight major world level tournaments, Argentina claimed at least one victory, after losing all nine matches at the 2012 World Grand Prix.
• Anahi Florencia Tosi is Argentina's leading points scorer in the VNL on 71 points.
Italy
• In their seventh match at the VNL, Italy lost in a tight five-setter against Japan. They had won two and lost four of their first six fixtures.
• Italy outscored Japan 107 to 105 in the defeat, including more points from spikes (49 v 45), stuff blocks (11 v 4) and serves (6 v 3).
• Italy have lost their last three five-setters at major world level. The last time they lost four successive deciders at major world level was from 2004 to 2005 (5 in a row).
• Paola Egonu was Italy's leading scorer against Japan. She scored 25 points of which five from stuff blocks and two from serves. Those were her first points in the competition.