Italy def. Russia 3-2 (26-24, 19-25, 25-20, 13-25, 17-15)
"In their second match of the World League Finals in Rotterdam Italy looked at the start seriously weakend. Because of injurys, Giani and Gardini couldn't play against Russia. Despite the loss of these two worldclass players, Italy impressed in the first set, altough the difference was never more than two points (24-26). In the following sets the level of the game wasn't as high as in the first. Both teams played with varying succes, so a fifth set was neccessary. In the deciding set both teams showed a fantastic fighting spirit. Finally captain Bracci and his men took the winning point, after a high level played fitfth set."