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Sammelvuo: we don't want to be favorites, we just want to win

Finland have shown they're a strong and tuned up team in important games. Italy did not show much in the group, but played the best game of the tournament against Netherlands. Savani is off the roster due to an injury

By winning the first two rounds vs Netherlands and Slovenia, Finland managed to secure first position in the group which led them directly to the quarterfinal. Their last game vs Serbia was irrelevant results-wise, but selector Sammelvuo sent his strongest lineup to the court. In spite of that, it was clear that the players were not giving their maximum, and were already thinking of the quarterfinal.

They lost the game 3-0, only being a real threat in the second set, when they did not allow Serbia to take off to a big lead, but did not manage to win a set in the end. They completely gave up on the third set, as Sammelvuo decided to rest his main players and prevent possible injuries.

-Going into this game we already knew we are keeping the first position in the group regardless of the result. We did not play poorly, but the moment you are not at 100% it shows. Serbia needed the win , and they played very well. Now we need to recover all our energy and play a good game in the quarterfinal. We have two days to rest and work out every detail of the coming game, so that we are fully prepared for it- said selector Sammelvuo after the game.

Sivula was their best player, once again, with 14 points won. If you keep in mind this game meant nothing to them, the Finns played very well. By winning their first two games they already showed that they are very dangerous. They've been together for a long time, selector Sammelvuo is leading them very well, and their fast style of play is a problem for many teams. They pressure the opponents with serves, and Kunnari and Siltala regularly punish the mistakes of their opponents. Their goal is a medal.

A day before the game Sammelvuo said:

-I have a hunch we will achieve a big result in this championship. By being well prepared, analyzing our opponents and playing our hearts out, we can beat anyone. We don't want to be favorites, we just want to win.

I can't help but to think that Italy are being overrated and their opponents and their abilities are being overlooked. The Italians have played their best match yet against the Netherlands, and were impressive in the block, a feat that they are probably not going to pull off again today. A big issue is Savani's injury because he is the most experienced played in the team having played on the Euro five times. Vettori had a good match as his substitute, but when he plays Zaytsev moves to the receiver position. The game against the Netherlands was not easy, but it provided a boost of confidence. Finland, on the other hand, rested and analyzed their next opponent. Their coach Sammelvuo is known as a great analyst and his scouting of opponents is superb. They have been playing together for a long time, they like to play fast volleyball and it will be interesting to see how the Italian block will react. Sivula has had a great tournament, while the setter Esko, receiver Slitala and middle blocker Oivanen have over 200 caps for their national team each. That could prove to be a decisive factor since the Italians have 8 debutants, and Savani's injury is also a blow. Berruto was Finland's main coach from 2005 to 2010 and knows them well. They are teams of even strength and we are probably going to see a close match. Tensions will be high because after this match there is no re-do. Last year at the Olympics Italy won 3-2, but considering everything, betting on the handicap for Finland seems the best option.