Italy fashioned out a 25-19, 25-16, 25-21 victory over Slovenia to rediscover its winning ways Saturday in the Volleyball Nations League at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Italians won the first set despite committing six service aces and pounded on the Slovenians lack of cohesion in the next two to post their fifth win in seven matches.
Bouncing back from a narrow five-set loss to Japan Friday, Italy is actually level with its Asian rivals in the standings but the European champions are ahead in points, 16-15.
“We wanted to win today because we deserved three points. We are happy for this,” said Alessandro Michieletto, who took the scoring mantle for the Italians with 16 points, including two blocks, and collected eight receptions and six digs.
Daniele Lavia also had a big game for Italy with 14 points and five receptions.
Slovenia fell at the lower half of the standings with its fourth loss in seven matches.
Ziga Stern had 12 points while Rok Mozic chipped in 11 points and four digs for the Slovenians, runners-up to the Italians in the European championship last year.
