Sapporo, Japan, November11, 2011 - Nineteen points from Italy's leading scorer in the FIVB World Cup Carolina del Pilar Costagrande helped the tournament leaders claim their sixth win from as many matches with a comfortable (25-15, 25-12, 25-17) win over Korea in Sapporo on Friday.

Costagrande was well supported by a gritty effort from Lucia Bosetti with 13 and great net play from Antonella Del Core with 10. For Korea, who had their leading scorer Kim Yeon-Koung rested after the first set with an eye to Saturday's match against Japan, Park Jeong-Ah notched nine in a losing effort.

The Italians showed no effects of the cold Sapporo weather outside of the Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Centre to start, coming out hot taking seven of the first eight points, with three strong attacks from Bosetti. But Korea’s ace Kim Yeon-Koung warmed things up for her side after that with three attacks of her own triggering a mini run to come within one at 9-8. But as has been the case for the tournament thus far, Costagrande proved the fieriest of them all with a scorching attack that saw her post nine points including a gorgeous tip at the net salvaging a poor pass from Valentina Arrighetti, which helped the Italians grab the opening period 25-15.

Korea looked frazzled to start the second set with three straight errors early, two by Park Jeong-Ah. As Italy’s Simona Gioli struggled with her accuracy, Antonella Del Core stepped up with great play at the net, posting five points mid-set capped by a wonderful block to give Italy a 15-7 advantage. From there Lucia Bosetti helped close it out with a pair of aces down the stretch to take the second set 25-12.

Korea’s Park Jeong-Ah looked sharp to start the third set with an incredible block on Gioli followed shortly after by a blistering spike cross-court to tie it at six. Italy’s Bosetti did it tough as she tripped on a teammate early and hurt her ankle. She bravely stayed in and would later leap for a block on Park Jeong-Ah who was attacking well for Korea out wide. She followed with her fourth ace of the match to give Italy a commanding 19-10 lead. Korea’s Kim Hee-Jin put together some strong attacks late, but Italy proved just too strong taking the set (25-17) and the match on a spike from Bosetti.

COBRA volleyball net