Colaci, Lanza and Baranowicz brought some fresh air to Italy and enabled the win
Benjamin Toniutti - France captain: "We are disappointed with the result, especially because we were winning 2-0. We lost this match already in the third set when we had a lot of occasions to win this game, but we did nine service mistakes. It's difficult to win if you make a lot of errors like this. We have one point, but my disappointment on the loss is bigger."
Emanuele Birarelli - Italy captain: "During the break after the second set we spoke that we were not fighting. And that's what we did from the third set on. Even though we won tonight, we have to think on improving for the next games. I hope this victory will lead us into more self confidence. We are not confident, I don't know why, and we need to."
Laurent Tillie - France coach: "We have read really well the team of Italy, but in the third set Italy put too much pressure on us and we made too many mistakes. Italy's substitutions changed the game, we read Travica's setting quite well, but we started to have a problem with Baranowicz who played more spontaneously. We had to adjust to his game but it was too difficult. Suddenly, the whole team stopped playing and I couldn't find anyone who would bring them back. My team have to learn that two sets don't mean we have already won."
Mauro Berruto - Italy coach: "We are happy because of the victory and the two points, but I also hope that this can be a turning point for us. Like my captain said, after the second set we told ourselves that there's no more time. Our substitutions changed the quality and rhythm of the game. Not only Baranowicz and Lanza, also our libero Colaci made important plays, which helped the team. We also have a great champion with us like Ivan Zaytsev, who was able to improve his attack and service during the game."