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Italy takes the Danes seriously

The Italians are aware that they are currently several levels above Denmark but they also announced maximum concentration because it is never easy to play against the host of the championship. The Danes have nothing to do in this match

Denmark is the weakest ranked team of this European Championship. It is no wonder they applied for organizing this competition, together with Poland, because this way they wont to popularize volleyball and draw the crowd to the arena. To be honest, through qualifiers they would never reach the championship and the question is when we will see them on such a big competition next time.

This year they had the chance to play the European League through which they improved they shape and consolidated themselves for the three matches now ahead of them. They focused everything on getting the best result possible but they are themselves aware they will be a pushover for Italy and Belgium while they can try to find an opportunity against Belarus.

This year they played 24 matches with only 4 wins, two against weak Norway and two against Austria in the EuroLeague. They started the preparation matches in the middle of August. First they recorded two losses without a won set against Netherlands and after that they came to the tournament in Slovenia. There they lost against Canada, Slovenia and Bulgaria and they managed to take a set only against Slovenians. The finishing two matches they played in Herning against Finns and it was no better there either. They recorded 3-0 and 3-1 losses. By that they recorded their 13th consecutive loss which is definitely not a good sign ahead of this competition.

 - I hope the team will play best to their abilities and that we will show high quality and play with a vigor for our national team. This championship has to help us improve individually and as a team. We will do our best to qualify in the playoffs to Aarhus but we know it is a difficult task. One thing is certain, we will always play to win - said the most experienced player, receiver Knudsen.

The selector Sturm doesn't have the first team in which every player could give a good contribution. Instead, all burden goes on the back of the first scorer Mads Ditlevsen who plays in Antwerpen. Captain Knudsen (Nancy) who is 34 can still play a good match but the rest of the team are not of that level. Most of the players play in the home championship and of the international players there are the setter Jacobsen from Buhl, the receiver Christiansen from Friedrischaven and the second setter Stenderup who plays in the Dutch FirmX Orion.

 - The team worked hard during the preparations. We played with some of the best national teams in the world and such teams await us in the European Championship as well. We are constantly learning and our game is improving from match to match. There are a lot of things we have to fix but I hope we will show our fans the best we can do - said the selector Fred Sturm.

Italy is one of the favorites of this championship and at the start of the championship they have an ideal opponent to catch the rhythm. Two years ago they had the chance to become the European Champions for the seventh time but Serbia, lead by Miljkovic, took the title away from them. With that position they earned the direct placement to European Championship so they didn't play the qualifications.

Compared to that previous team, there is no more Michal Lask and Luigi Mastrangelo in the team, but it is still very strong. The experienced Cristian Savani is here, who will play his fifth European Championship and there are also the middle blocker Birarelli (Trentino) and young Berreta (Modena). The offense will go over Macerata, Zaytsev and Parodi and they will be organised by Dragan Travica who transferred this year from Macerata to Russian Belgorod. Of the more known names, on the bench are the receiver Kovar (Macerata) and the young opposite Vettori who lead the team well through the World League. There are eight debutantes in the team but that shouldn't have too much of a consequence because most of the players play strong matches in the Italian league.

 - We are excited about the start of the championship. We are playing against a team which is not very strong but they are playing at home so we will start with our maximum. Our approach will be very important, we have to be concentrated so as not to get ourselves in an unpleasant situation - said Dragan Travica and concluded:

 - The loss in the last final still hurts. I think this team is overflowing with talent and we can go far.

They started the preparations in the middle of August but they didn't play many friendly matches which many have found as a flaw of the selector Berrut. First he split the squad on first and second lineup which played two matches. Of course, the first lineup won both times. After that they hosted the Slovaks and won 3-0 and 3-1 and their last test they had in Germany. There they didn't do well and lost two matches, although the first one could have gone to them (2-3, 0-3). Zaytsev, Savani and Birarelli proved themselves in best shape in the preparations and they will be a great danger for opposing teams.

 - We all know how important it is to start the tournament well. There is no room for mistakes. A good start would fill us with confidence which can be a key factor in later stages. We worked hard and we are ready to fulfill the expectations. The losses against Germany reminded us no one will give us any presents and we need to fight for every win - said the libero Rossini.

Int he preview it was written how Denmark would never saw this European Championship if they weren't the organizers. They simply don't have the level needed to fight the best European teams. They don't have enough players abroad and they don't have the experience of playing matches like these. Their team depends on one player, the opposite Mads Ditlevsen. After him, the best player is the receiver Knudsen who is 34 and it is very clear that this team is very "thin". As this is their first match in front of home crowd, they will be nervous as there are many young and inexperienced players in the team. Italy are the vice champions and they announced to go for the medals this year and everyone points out the importance of the first match. They warn that the host is never to be underestimated and they will play the match at their maximum. Savani, Parodi, Kovar, Zaytsev and Vettori are from a whole different world when Danes are concerned. All things considered, the limit of 130 points seems attractive and a spread can be taken into consideration for the same stake. The stake is smaller only because it is the first round.