Italy beat Russia

ByReuters

Published 09/08/2008 at 04:53 GMT

European champions Italy beat four-times Olympic gold winners Russia 3-1 in the opening game of women's volleyball to give themselves a strong chance of progressing from pool B.

VOLLEYBALL 2007 World Grand Prix Italy W Anzanello Ortolani

Image credit: Eurosport

The Italians, ranked second in the world, looked sharp as they won the first set 25-20 but Russia, coached by Italian Giovanni Caprara, powered back in the second which they took 25-17.

A bubbly Italian team regrouped though and with Serena Ortolani (16 spikes) and Nadia Centoni (15) aggressive and middle-blocker Simona Gioli in command they crushed the Russians 25-16 in the third set and then clinched victory in the fourth by two points.

Ekaterina Gamova top-scored for the Russians with 13 spikes.

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Watch live coverage of the Olympics 24/7 on your PC via the Eurosport player - click on the link under the picture to subscribe. Or watch the action on British Eurosport - available in the UK on Sky channel 410 and Virgin Media channel 521.

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