In the first match of the second half of the Italian men's volleyball league Serie A, 10th-placed Padova, the team Takahashi Ai plays for, played away to 2nd-placed Modena on Sunday, December 18th local time, and lost 0-3 (23-25, 20-25, 23-25).
After the match, Modena's Bruno Rezende gave us a comment.
-How do you feel looking back on today's game?
Bruno: We knew it would be a difficult match because they had played well in the league, beating us in the first half. It was very important for us to continue our winning streak and aim for the top spot in the league. It was very good that we were able to attack with our serves all the time today, which also helped our blocking system. I think this was the key to our victory today.
--What was the difference from the first half of the match, when you lost in a full set?
Bruno: It was also the first game of the league and we hadn't had much time to train together yet. It was very difficult at the beginning of the league because we didn't have enough time with the players. But now we are on a different level. We have grown and improved a lot and hopefully we can continue this good run.
- Although you won today, I think Takahashi from Padua's performance was amazing. What do you think about him?
Bruno: He showed what kind of player he is (through his performance today). He is one of the best outside hitters in the world and plays very well. This is not only in the Italian League, but also in the World Championships and the Nations League. It was very difficult to pick up and block his spikes today. I told him, "I was only able to touch him with a block once, at the end of the third set" (laughs). That's how difficult it was to block him. He is definitely a great player, and he's still young, so he's going to get even better.
Photo: Author
The report of this match is here:
Click here for an interview with Takahashi from this match.
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