The Italian national team demonstrated class and squad depth with a convincing 3:0 (25:18, 25:15, 25:19) victory over China in the second weekend of the Nations League. The match at the "Now Arena" in Hoffman Estates (Chicago) was entirely under the control of Ferdinando De Giorgi's boys, who allowed no surprises and showed why they are among the favorites for the final eight.
🔹 Micheletto with a service fury
China's home crowd will hardly forget how Riccardo Micheletto started the second set – with 4 consecutive aces, making the score 7:1. The Trento outside hitter was unstoppable and finished as the top scorer with 17 points (including 8 aces and 6 from attack).
🔹 Control from the first ball
De Giorgi gave a chance to a different starting lineup, with Sbertoli as setter and Rychlicki on opposite. The two created a stable foundation – Italy had 41 attack points against 32 for China, and their superiority in blocking was even more decisive – 8 against 3.
🔹 No response from China
Despite the efforts of Zehao (12 pts) and captain Binzhong (11 pts), the Asians could not put up a fight. China finished the match with 0 aces and only 3 blocks, and the Italians capitalized on every mistake.
Match Statistics:
| Element | China | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Attack | 32 | 41 |
| Block | 3 | 8 |
| Service (aces) | 0 | 8 |
| Opponent errors | 17 | 18 |
| Total points | 52 | 75 |
💬 In the third set, young libero Laurenzano also entered the game, replacing Balaso. Sanguinetti also had an excellent performance in blocking, as did Galassi, who once again demonstrated stability in the middle of the net.
🇮🇹 Italy's next test will be far more serious – tomorrow they face Brazil at 11:00 PM Bulgarian time in Chicago. The match will be crucial for the standings before the final phase of VNL 2025.
photo:volleyballworld.com
