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The Belgians aware that Italy, unlike Turkey, won't give anything away

The biggest surprise on the first day of the Grand Prix was staged by Belgium. In the middle of Ankara they demolished Turkey, who won the European Games last week. Their opponent didn't play well, but that won't be the case against Italy who lost against USA because of poorly played finish of the sets

CEV

The second day of the Ankara tournament of the strongest Grand Prix division starts with Italy vs. Belgium match. These two teams played against each other at the recently played European Games, but this match won't have much in common with that one. Italy was in Azerbaijan with their B team, and even as such they were too strong for Belgium.

The Italians are playing the Grand Prix with their A team, they opened it with a defeat against the world champions, USA. In an even game, the Americans were better than the Italians 3-1. Italy won the first set, they were close to 2-0 lead, because they had 17-13 lead in the second set. They couldn't keep it up until the end, and the same scenario repeated itself in the third and fourth sets. The Americans were calmer in the key moments and they earned their first three points.

- Our inexperience was the key factor at the end of the sets., we weren't our selves both physically and mentally. I am happy because the team fought until the very end - said Italy's selector Bonitta after the game yesterday. 

CEV

Yesterday's game will be a good experience for Italy. They still have to learn how to finish sets against strong opponents. Today they are facing an easier opponent, on paper at least, Belgium. Last year at the World Cup, the Italians didn't have problems against Belgium. Today, both teams will be missing a lot of players that had significant roles in that match.

Belgium's rejuvenated team played quite well yesterday. They caused an upset by beating the host of the tournament, Turkey. The Belgians, in a stronger lineup, couldn't do anything against Turkey at the recent European Games in Baku. They outplayed them on their home court yesterday, and in straight sets. 

- We didn't expect such an easy game as the one today. We know that the game against Italy will be different - Belgium's team captain Leys was honest yesterday.

Turkey was taken down after only 74 minutes of play. The result was 3-0 (25-13, 25-17 and 25-23) in Belgium's favor. The Belgians achieved somewhat surreal 49% of attack efficiency. They served great, they were led by Grobelna with 18 points, she was a great substitute for the injured Van Hecke. We should be honest and say that Belgium won partly because of their opponent, who played below every level. It's not likely they will run into an opponent in bad mood, Italy want to go to the final tournament, and to get there they need to win against Belgium who are missing several players.