Italy defeated USA 3-0 in a difficult but valuable quarter-final match of the VNL (25-22, 25-21, 28-26) and qualified for the semi-finals. Although the Americans put up serious resistance and started strongly in each set, they made too many errors, which tipped the scales. Italy did not play their best volleyball, but according to coach Velasco, this only proves the team's maturity. Egonu was again the star with 20 points, supported by Antropova and Danesi. The victory is the 13th in a row in the tournament and 27th overall - an absolute record!
🟩1st set (25-22):
Italy started poorly and fell behind 0-3 after reception problems. USA pressed early, but the "Azzurre" reacted quickly and turned the score around after strong attacks by Egonu and good serves by Orro. Velasco substituted Sylla, who was vulnerable in defense, and this stabilized the team. In the end, USA again closed the gap (23-22), but Antropova and Egonu with key plays closed the set. Egonu already had 8 points in this set.
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The start of the second set was even with many errors from both sides. Samedy came in for USA, and in defense Rodriguez worked wonders, but the Italians managed to pull away after an ace and a block by Egonu. The match remained tense, with USA again closing the gap to equalize, but errors by Franklin and a strong serve by Antropova tipped the scales. Danesi added a key block, and Degradi closed the set with a "roll-out". Italy led 2-0, despite their unstable attacking play.
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The third set started badly for Italy, who fell behind by 4 points after a run by the Americans. Velasco was angry on the sidelines, but encouraged the team not to dwell on errors (Italy made 23 for the match). After a double substitution at 19-22, Egonu returned and equalized the score, and the set went to a dramatic extension. After a long rally, Franklin made an error, and with a powerful block by Fahr, Italy ended the match. A 3-0 victory and qualification for the semi-finals.
🏐Top scorers of the Italy – USA match:
Paola Egonu (No. 18, Italy)– 20 points
Ekaterina Antropova (No. 24, Italy)– 9 points
Avery Skinner (No. 3, USA)– 11 points
Sarah Franklin (No. 22, USA)– 8 points
