Italy denied Japan a preliminary-round sweep after a tremendous four-set victory with scores of 29-27, 28-26, 23-25, 25-20 in the 2023 FIVB Volleyball Men’s Nations League on Saturday at the sell-out SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The win concluded Italy’s preliminary round on a high note, with a record of nine wins against three losses, placing them second, just behind Japan at 10-1.
Yuri Romanó once again led the charge for the Italians, avenging their previous VNL defeat against Japan last year at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. The opposite hitter finished with a game-high 22 points, including 16 markers, two blocks, and two service aces.
The Gas Sales Piacenza standout expressed his satisfaction with the victory, stating, “It was a very good win for us, especially in front of this crowd. It was a great atmosphere to play here, especially when you play against Japan.”
Italy and Japan battled for set advantages, with setters Simone Gianelli and Masahiro Sekita utilizing all their respective attacking options. The Europeans eventually claimed the opener after five set points, thanks to a powerful serve from Gianluca Galassi followed by a Yuri Romanó block on Yuki Ishikawa.
In the second set, Yuji Nishida and Ishikawa combined efforts to give Japan another set point at 24-21. However, Tomasso Rinaldi had different plans, contributing three impressive kills during a decisive 5-0 closing run, granting the Azzurri a 2-0 lead.
Japan found a spark of hope in the third set when outside hitter Tatsunori Otsuka came alive, assisting captain Ishikawa in securing a set win.
Nevertheless, Italy found their finishing stride to secure the victory that ended Japan’s winning streak.
Daniele Lavia amassed 18 points, including 15 spikes, two blocks, and a service ace, while Alessandro Michieletto added 12 points despite being substituted early in the match.
The Italians now await their quarterfinal opponent in Gdansk, Poland.
Ishikawa and Nishida both surpassed 20 points, scoring 21 and 20, respectively. However, it was Otsuka’s 15 attack points and nine successful receptions that kept Japan in the battle.
Japan will regroup and strategize as they face Final Round host Poland on Sunday at 7 p.m.
