The Italian women's national team continued its flawless performance in the 2025 Volleyball Nations League, achievinga sixth consecutive victory—this time against Thailand with a dominant3:0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-18). Beyond the convincing result, the match became a stage for rising starEze, who impressed with a mature performance and distinct individuality.
Control from the start
Italy started with a well-known starting six:Camby (setter), Egonu (opposite), Degradi and Omoruyi (outside hitters), Fahr and Nwakalor (middle blockers), with De Gennaro as libero. On the other side, Thailand started with a formation featuring Pimpichaya, Acharaporn, and setter Pornpun, despite a tough five-set match with Japan the day before.
After an initial reconnaissance phase, the "Azzurre" imposed their rhythm, led bythe powerful Egonu, who finished with13 points, and the solid defense ofDe Gennaro, who was a true conductor in the back. In the first set, Italy showed its class, closing the part with25-19after strong performances by Giovannini, who came in as a substitute.
Impactful Substitutions: Eze and Malual
In the second setthe tandem Eze - Malualappeared in place of Egonu and Cambi and brought energy and freshness. Malual was clinical in attack and added10 points, whileEze, Bergamo's new setter, shone withgreat serving, precise passes, and a mature vision for the game, albeit with only 2 points. This substitution was the turning point for the second set, won with25-20.
Eze's show in the third game
The third set was marked by complete trust from coachJulio Velascoin the young Eze and Malual. They repaid this with complete domination.Eze "orchestrated" the attacks with elegance, finding Fahr, Degradi, and Malual for successful finishes. Italy pulled ahead 12-8 and didn't look back, finishing the match with25-18.
Statistics and next match
Italy - Thailand 3:0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-18)
Top scorers for Italy: Egonu (13), Degradi (10), Malual (10), Fahr (9), Nwakalor (7)
Ace efficiency: Italy 7, Thailand 2
Blocks: Italy 9, Thailand 5
Errors: Italy 21, Thailand 23
Spectators: around 2500
The Japan Test
After this match, Italy is at the top of the standings and facesa key clash against Japan- second in the standings with one less match. The meeting will be playedtomorrow, Friday, at 2:30 PM Bulgarian time, the broadcast will be live onDAZNandVBTV. The victory could prove decisive for qualifying for the final phase of the tournament.
Impressions
Against Thailand, Italy demonstrated squad depth and classic tactical discipline.The rise of Eze and the stable performances of the reserves emphasize that Velasco has a rich arsenal before the decisive phases of the tournament. The "Azzurri" look like a team that knows what it wants - and how to achieve it.
photos:volleyballworld.com
