Italy determined to keep improving in Rotterdam

Coming from back-to-back victories against Cuba and Germany, the Italians will face Iran in their first match in Rotterdam, on Wednesday, at 13:00 local time (11:00 UTC). On Thursday, at the same time, they face another Asian opponent in China. Both teams won one of their four matches in the opening week.

The Europeans will be back on the court on Friday, at 20:00 local time (18:00 UTC), to face Serbia. This could be a key match for the Italians as their European rivals are currently just above them in the standings, in eighth place, also with two victories.

If all goes well for the Italians, these matches should help them build their form for what’s expected to be the most difficult match of the week, Sunday’s duel with FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Rankings leaders Poland, who enter Week 2 in sixth place with three victories, at 12:30 local time (10:30 UTC).

Many other exciting matches are set to happen in Rotterdam this week, including the duel between the United States and Serbia, on Tuesday, at 16:30 local time (14:30 UTC), Wednesday’s European Derby between Germany and Poland at 20:00 local time (18:00 UTC) and Sunday’s encounter involving hosts the Netherlands and Serbia, on Sunday, at 16:00 local time (14:00 UTC).