Stefani lifts Italy to Boys' U19 worlds final over Egypt

Tunis, Tunisia, August 29, 2019 - Italy swamped Egypt 3-0 (25-18, 25-16, 25-17) here Thursday night in the semifinals to advance to Friday's gold medal match of the 2019 FIVB Boys' U19 World Championship, where they meet Russia in an all-European affair.

Italy controlled the game from start to finish and kept Egypt at bay whenever the African side even hinted at drawing close.

Italy enjoyed a slight lead from the very start of the game, but actually broke away after the second Technical Timeout in the first set for a downhill ride to the finish line.

The 'Azzurri' had an even easier ride the second, but let their guard down a bit in the third, allowing Egypt an early lead. That lead led nowhere, though and Italy came back harder than ever.

Italy celebrate their sweep of Egypt which earned them a place in Friday's final of the 2019 FIVB Boys' U19 World Championship in Tunis.

Italy celebrate their sweep of Egypt which earned them a place in Friday's final
With Tommaso Stefani serving (including three back-to-back aces) Italy turned the score around from 12-13 with a 7-0 run to make it 19-13 and cruise home for a clean sweep.

Stefani was man of the match scoring a match high of 18 points, including four aces and four blocks , while Tommaso Rinaldi added another 13 points. Abdelrahman Elhossiny Jr was Egypt's best scorer on 11 points.

Russia had earlier downed Argentina in straight sets in the first semifinal.

Italy are now assured of their fourth medal in the history of the competition, after silver in 1995, gold in 1997 and bronze in 2005. For Egypt this is their second shot at a medal, after losing to Russia in the bronze medal match of 2001 for their best ever finish of fourth.

Source: www.fivb.org

Posted in International on Aug 30, 2019