The US national team defeated Italy for the second consecutive time in a direct elimination match at a major international forum. After their success in the bronze medal match at the Paris Olympic Games, this time the team of the legendary Karch Kiraly decisively outplayed the European champions 3-0 and qualified for the semifinals of the Volleyball Nations League.
The match will be remembered primarily for the Americans' devastating serve. In total, the USA scored an impressive 14 aces, and at the heart of this pressure was the 28-year-old opposite hitter Jake Hanes, who finished with 6 direct points from serves. Trailing 11:15 in the third set, it was his series of three consecutive aces that turned the tide of the set. In addition to the three direct points, another of his serves completely disrupted the Italian reception and allowed the USA to win 4 consecutive break points. His last ace was measured at 128 km/h, and the previous one at 127 km/h.
The first two sets passed almost entirely under the dictation of the Americans, who, through their powerful serve, did not allow the "Squadra Azzurra" to organize their usual fast-paced attack. Italy only managed to get back into the match in the third set, when they took a four-point lead, but it was then that Hanes changed everything with his devastating series of serves.
The USA opposite hitter also finished as the top scorer in the match with 21 points, while for Italy, Yuri Romano scored the most with 16.
Statistics show that in attack, the two teams were completely equal – 38 points each. The difference, however, came from the serve, where the USA scored a total of 14 aces against only 5 for Italy. The Americans also finished with 10 more total points (74:64), which eloquently demonstrates their superiority in the most crucial moments.
Italy had a slight advantage in blocking (4:3) and reception (59:51), but this could not compensate for the huge problems created by the American serve. The USA also recorded more saved balls in defense (44:39), which further complicated the world champions' attempts to find a rhythm.
With this victory, Karch Kiraly's team qualified for the semifinals of the Volleyball Nations League, where they will face the undefeated Japanese team in a battle for a spot in the grand final.

photo:volleyballworld.com