Bari, Italy, June 19, 2016 – Italy have not beaten Russia in the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix since 2007 and are looking to make history in front of their home fans on Sunday.
Head-to-Head
· Russia have won 14 of their 16 World Grand Prix matches against Italy.
· Italy's only victories came in 2004 (3-2) and 2007 (3-1).
· Last year, Russia won in the preliminary round (3-1) and in the final round (3-0) against Italy.
· Italy have only lost more World Grand Prix matches against Brazil (21) than versus Russia (14).
· The teams already met in 2016, as Russia defeated Italy 3-1 at the European Olympic Qualification tournament in January.
Russia
· Russia are on a six-match winning streak at the World Grand Prix, their longest run since nine in a row in 2013-2014.
· Together with China, they are the only unbeaten team in group 1 of the 2016 World Grand Prix.
· Russia could win three consecutive matches in straight sets for the first time since a run of five in 2011.
· Nataliya Goncharova needs four more points to reach 100 at the World Grand Prix. She is Russia's top scorer in the tournament.
Italy
· Italy lost their last World Grand Prix match against Netherlands (3-1).
· They could lose consecutive matches in the tournament for the first time since losing their final match of 2015 and their opening match of 2016 (both times v Brazil).
· The tallest player in the squad has also scored most points for Italy this World Grand Prix: Valentina Diouf (57 points, 202 cm).