Article by Franco Longo – Photos by FIPT Communication and Marketing Commission
Italy Dominates, France Struggles Against Catalonia
After two days of competition, the Indoor World Championship reaches its decisive stages, with the semifinals played on Saturday afternoon.
In the women’s competition, everything was easy for Italy against Germany. The Italians quickly took control with a clear progression: 3–0, 6–0, 8–1, 10–2, 12–3. Germany secured its first game by winning the second deuce (40-all) of the match, with Italy leading 7–1 at that point. The third deuce came at 12–3, and once again Italy prevailed, sealing their place in the final and continuing their शानदार run in this World Championship.
France, the other major favorite for the title, had a much tougher path. Against Catalonia, the French team initially led comfortably, but then experienced a drop in performance. Catalonia took advantage and closed the gap to 10–8 and 12–9. In the end, however, France managed to prevail despite the difficulties, winning 13–9. The result eliminated a strong Catalan side that paid for being slightly too passive in the early stages of the match.
France confirmed its great strength but also showed some inconsistency—something they will not be able to afford against Italy, given the high level and technical quality of the players coached by Maddalena Pasquetto and Andrea Fiorini.
Women’s Semifinals Results
Italy – Germany 13–3
France – Catalonia 13–9
Finals
3rd–4th Place Final: Germany vs Catalonia
1st–2nd Place Final: Italy vs France