Catania, Italy, July 18, 2015 - Brazil strengthen the position of a Group 1 leader, defeating Italy 3-0 (25-17, 26-24, 25-17). Both teams have qualified to the Final Six and Brazil remain unbeaten in this edition of the World Grand Prix along China.
Italians open the match with a strong offensive play and take an early lead at 4-3, yet Brazil kick back with a few blocks and attack to go 8-6 ahead at the first technical time out. The game runs point by point until 10-11, when Brazil take over the control and lead 16-12 by the second technical time out. The gap increases to 22-15 and Brazil get the win at 25-17.
A powerful block by Guicci makes it 5-2 at the start of the 2nd set, but Brazil tight the gap to 7-8. Guicci and Egonu remain leaders of Italy and maintain the 2-3 points lead throughout the set for 19-16 and until 22-19, when Brazil start a chase to tie the score. A few fast attacks make Italy hopeless as Brazil take the set at 26-24.
Brazil storm in with a one goal - finish the match in this set and go 9-3 ahead, but Italy react with a great offensive play to reduce the difference to 10-13. The spectacle is dominated by Brazilians who increase the lead to 23-15 and close the match as they planned, 25-17.
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