WORLD LEAGUE VOLLEYBALL

Opponents--U.S. vs. Italy.

Site--San Diego Sports Arena.

Time--7:30 p.m.

Records--U.S. is 2-0 and leads the five-team Pool B. Italy is 1-1.

The U.S. Team--Outside hitter Allen Allen is expected back in the lineup. He started the first 13 matches for the U.S. but missed the series against Japan with a leg injury. Scott Fortune, the only holdover from the 1988 Olympic team, and Bob Samuelson were leaders in World League rankings after two weeks. Fortune leads in digs per game (4.11) and Samuelson in blocks (1.89). Mark Arnold is third in blocks (1.22), Bryan Ivie second in service aces (0.44) and Javier Gaspar second in assists (25.89). The U.S. opened the season with victories over Japan on consecutive nights, in Irvine (15-9, 15-13, 13-15, 15-11) and in San Diego (15-12, 16-17, 12-15, 15-13, 15-8). The U.S. had a bye last week.

Italy--The Italians won the inaugural World League title last year and followed with gold medals at the Goodwill Games and the World Championships. Seven members from the 1988 Olympic team return, including 1990 World League most valuable player Andrea Zorzi, a 6-9 opposite hitter who is reputedly the world’s top paid player. Italy split its opening weekend matches against the Soviets, losing 10-15, 15-11, 15-11, 3-15, 15-11, and beating them two days later in Leningrad, 15-1, 15-9, 12-15, 15-13, 15-9.

U.S. schedule--After tonight’s match, the U.S. plays Italy at Irvine’s Bren Event Center on Sunday. The U.S. plays host to Korea on June 8-9, then begins a world tour, playing in the Soviet Union (June 14-16), Italy (June 21-23), Japan (July 6-7) and Korea (July 12-14). The U.S. completes its season at home against the Soviet Union (July 19-21).

Standings--Pool A: Cuba (4-0), France (3-1), Canada (1-3), Brazil (0-2), Holland (0-2). Pool B: United States (2-0), Soviet Union (3-1), Italy (1-1), Japan (2-2), Korea (0-4).

Tickets--Tickets are $6, $10 and $12 for all matches. They are available by calling the Sports Arena box office or Ticketmaster (278-TIXS). For matches in Irvine, call the Bren Event Center or Ticketron (714/856-5000). Group discounts are available.