Suwon, Korea, May 22, 2018,- A clutch all-round performance from Irina Voronkova has guided a confident Russia to a perfect start in the second phase of the FIVB Volleyball Nations League with a 3-0 (26-24, 25-12, 25-23) win over hapless Italy on Tuesday.
The straight sets scoreline belied the competitive and highly energetic affair but Voronkova stepped up at various stages when Russia was threatened by a plucky Italy, who are now in deep trouble without a win from four games.
Voronkova finished with 14 points (11 spikes and 3 serves) and she was ably supported by middle blocker Irina Fetisova (12 points), Natalia Malykh (12 points) and captain Kseniia Parubets (11 points) in an even performance from the victors.
Serena Ortolani (14 points) tried her hardest for a gallant Italy, who matched Russia's intensity for two of the sets.
Russia's sole loss in the first phase was to in-form Netherlands and they have continued their strong form into the second week. It was sweet revenge for Russia who had lost to Italy in last year's World Grand Prix in a five-set heartbreak.
Russia had long dominated the matchup over their European foes with 22 wins from 27 matches although, in a quirk, four of Italy's victories had been on Asian soil.
Anchored near the bottom of the overall standings after a winless opening phase, Italy is now in major strife despite some encouraging signs but they will rue a poor second set.
Most of the lively crowd at Suwon Indoor Gymnasium were eagerly anticipating watching their beloved home team later in the evening but the fans were treated to a high-octane affair.
Ominously, it was a poor start for Italy with Anastasia Guerra serving into the net to start the game as the energetic and confident Russians took control early with a 4-1 lead before Italy found their groove due to some sensational defensive work from middle blocker Marina Lubian.
An aggressive Italy aimed to dictate through power but that desire to dominate backfired through a series of errors to hand Russia the initiative.
The early going was marked by terrific net work from both desperate teams during a tight first set as the scores were deadlocked on numerous occasions.
With scores level at 24, opposite spiker Malykh produced a thunderous spike to give her team the lead and Russia closed out a gruelling first set in 29 minutes.
Despite the heartbreak of losing the opening stanza, Italy came out with intent in the second set but were matched at every step by Russia, who were led by powerful serving from Voronkova.
Following a familiar pattern, Russia appeared to be getting on top but the brave efforts of wing spiker Lucia Bosetti, who produced an astonishing block to deny a powerful attempt from Ekaterina Efimova, kept Italy in the game before the floodgates opened.
Malykh and Voronkova produced a series of thunderous spikes with Russia winning 10 of 11 points to take firm control of the match with one of Voronkova's high-powered spikes powering at 100 kmph.
Fetisova was also proving impregnable and a booming net kill gave Russia the lead and, soon enough, a two-set advantage.
With their backs against the wall, Italy battled bravely in the third set with Miryam Fatime Sylla dominating on serve to give her team a handy 7-3 lead before Russia fought back.
Much like the first set, the scores see-sawed and there were several fantastic long rallies but Russia's defence held firm marked by winning a pulsating 28-second exchange with the scores locked at 9 apiece.
Aiming to avoid a fourth straight loss, Italy blunted Russia's power with dogged defence at the net as they edged ahead 18-15.
In a vital moment in the set, with the fans on their edge of the seats, Russia won a long rally as they cunningly manoeuvred from defence to attack punctuated by a thunderous spike from Voronkova to get Russia within one point.
Shortly later, a brilliant block by Fetisova to deny Rossella Olivotto evened the scores and Russia could sense victory was imminent.
Despite some jitters, including a service error from youngster Anna Kotikova, Russia fittingly closed it out winning another long rally.
The teams will be back in action on Wednesday when Italy takes on Germany, while Russia play hosts Korea.