The Italian women's volleyball team maintains its great run at the World Championships: after defeating Slovakia, the Italians overcame Cuba 3-0 (25-9, 25-8, 25-16), sealing a spot in the round of 16 with one game to spare. The star of the match was Paola Egonu, named MVP with 12 points. Coach Julio Velasco was able to give the majority of the group playing time, making a wide rotation in the last set. "Even knowing that Cuba wasn't a top-tier opponent, the girls maintained extraordinary determination: this will be useful when the do-or-die battles arrive", according to the coach. Velasco then discussed the following match, which is scheduled for Tuesday against Belgium, the group's strongest rival: "They have strong and experienced players like Herbots. It will be a significant test as we prepare for the most demanding stretch of the World Championships in Bangkok".