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The Italians are much fresher than the Turks

This is the third competition for Turkey this season. They are tired, but they'll try and forget about that with the help from the stands. Italy played well against Belgium yesterday, and also saved some important players. This is their first national team match this summer

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Turkey won the Montreux Masters and the European games, and then got defeated in the first two matches of the Grand Prix. More was expected of them, especially since they're playing in Ankara. Belgium surprised them, and they weren't even in the role of the favorite against the USA yesterday. Turkey played that duel much better than against Belgium, but the Americans were too strong. The Turks had to settle with winning one set.

- We resisted well against the world champions. Both teams played well. We'll try to get better, and play better in the rest of the competition - the Turkish coach Akbas said.

It seems that the Turks lost their form a bit. It's due to the fatigue from playing numerous matches this season. They're also without the setter Naz, so they're not as strong there as they were in the European games. Neriman played well against the USA yesterday, won 25 points, but she needed the rest of her team to back her up to do something more.

- We had problems with the block and the defense today. We want to thank everyone who was in the court today to support us - the Turkish captain Guldeniz Onal said.

3500 fans came to support the Turks, and there will probably be the same number of fans today to support their national team. The Turks beat Italy in the European games recently, and in Montreux Masters, but Italy played those competitions with the second lineup.

The Italians started the Grand Prix by losing to the US. They lost that match, but were an even opponent. Italy easily beat Belgium yesterday. They had no problems despite not using the strongest lineup. The first opposite Diouf and the captain Arrighetti stayed on the bench. Italy were better than Turkey in all the segments, and Lucia Bosetti lead them to the win with 18 points.

- We played on a high level. I'm content because we played well yesterday, but in some moments, we would lose our focus, and that didn't happen today. We were motivated better, we'll see what's going to happen against the Turks - the Italian coach Bonitta said.

Italy are far better rested than Turkey right now, and that's definitely an advantage. This is their first competition this summer, and yesterday they used some players who didn't play in the first match. This will be Italy's chance for revenge. This team played the last official national match in Russia last year. Turkey beat them 3-1 in the direct duel for the placement to the Grand Prix final tournament. Compared to that duel, Turkey are now without Gozda Sonsirma, the setter Naz, and the block Bahar. Italy are missing Piccinini, but they've got better players for some other positions, compared to that Russian match.