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Italy let Iran win, while France didn't have to try hard to win with ease

Both teams had pretty poor first round performances, but that was enough for the French to beat Puerto Rico easily. Italy didn't have the expected start to the championship, and now they simply cannot afford to get another defeat

Following a rather bleak performance in the first game, which was still enough for a straight sets win against Puerto Rico, France are meeting Italy today.

- Puerto Rico were close all the time. The service points at crucial moments saved us. I was worried that we would have to play five sets, and that would not have been a good outcome - coach Tillie said.

- Opening matches are always tough - you are always afraid you're going to lose. Our performance was not good, but we can do much better. I'm happy with the win - team  captain Toniutti said. 

France recorded 24 errors in that match, which is still better than Puerto Rico since they recorded 28. The match Serbia lost to Poland and lost, having recorded 22 errors proves just how bad Puerto Rico were at not taking advantage of the opportunities they were given.

The French opposite Rouzier was the most efficient French played with 12 points, while Kevin De Roux recorded one less. Blocking was the best segment of the French game in that match. They recorded 7 points through blocking, and Puerto Rico none. 

The responsibility for the Italian first round defeat rests solely with them. They let Iran gain momentum in the first set, which the Asian team used to win it. Italy then won the second one, but lost the third one despite being the better team. The final set was no different. 

- It was a bad start to the competition. We were ready to do much better, but we got nervous at the start. We got distracted in the third set, letting them take the lead. We have to learn from our mistakes, and not let this happen again - team captain Birarelli said.

Singling anyone out for the brilliant performance is difficult since most key players did badly. Zaytsev was doing horribly for the first two sets, but managed to record 19 points by the end. Blocking worked only from time to time, and a few ridiculous reaction made Kovar the main target for the Iranian service. All of that plus the 34 errors cost Italy the match.

Both teams were well below their potential in their respectful opening matches. Italy have to win the second round game, while the French do their best against the best teams. This should be a close match without the favorite. The teams did their last head to head matches at World League two years ago, when the French won three out of four of those.

Italy failed at the very start by losing to Iran 3-1 in the opening match of the championship. They now have no right to fail against in the group stage. Each additional defeat would get them one spot in the table down. France didn't do brilliantly against Puerto Rico, but even so managed to beat them in straight sets. Italy and France know each other very well, which suggests a close match. The French won 4 out of their last 5 head-to-head matches against Italy, but that was 2 years ago. The French always do best against the top teams, and have always been causing trouble for Italy. I expect a proper battle on the court today. This bet cannot be missed out on.