Italy will play in the final of the Volleyball Nations League for the first time in history! Ferdinando De Giorgi's team defeated the tough Slovenian squad 3:1 (25:20, 25:21, 17:25, 25:22) and showed class and stability in the key moments of the semi-final clash, played in Lodz.

The "Azzurri" dominated in most elements and managed to control the match with tactical maturity, powerful offense, and stable serving. Alessandro Michieletto was the top scorer with 26 points, while the middle blockers Galassi and Gargiulo played a strong match in both blocking and attacking.

First set (25:20):
Italy started with a high tempo and managed to put pressure on from the very first serve. Excellent blocking organization and attacking efficiency gave them an early lead. Slovenia responded with attacks from Mozic and T. Stern, but the aces and three blocks from the "Azzurri" made the difference.

Second set (25:21):
The game was more even, but Italy showed more patience and discipline. Michieletto shone with his attacks and participation in blocking, while Slovenia failed to capitalize on weaknesses in the Italian game. A key factor here were the six errors by the Slovenians, which gifted points at a crucial moment.

Third set (17:25):
Slovenia showed character and revived the intrigue, dominating the game for the first time. Excellent reception allowed for quick and varied attacks, and Italy made 7 service errors. Mozic and Kozamernik made key points, and the Slovenians executed three blocks.

Fourth set (25:22):
An even start, but Italy once again demonstrated its class. Romano's series and the stable play of Galassi and Lavia in attack gave them the lead. At 20:20, the Italians kept their composure, while the Slovenians made several key errors. Michieletto's ace and Gargiulo's block ended the dispute.

Statistical highlights:

Overall balance:

• Attack:
  Italy: 62 successful attacks out of 113 (54.8%)
  Slovenia: 52 out of 105 (49.5%)

• Block:
  Italy: 10
  Slovenia: 9

• Aces:
  Italy: 9
  Slovenia: 2

• Service errors:
  Italy: 17
  Slovenia: 8

• Points from opponent errors:
  Italy: 16
  Slovenia: 23

• Reception:
  Italy: 58% positive / 24% perfect
  Slovenia: 48% / 18%

Individual achievements - top scorers:

• Alessandro Michieletto (ITA):26 points (19 attacks, 4 blocks, 3 aces)

• Tine Mozic (SLO):14 pts. (12 attacks, 2 blocks)

• Daniele Lavia (ITA):12 pts. (12 attacks)

• Jan Rychlicki (ITA):11 pts. (9 attacks, 1 block, 1 ace)

• Zan Stern (SLO):11 pts (10 attacks, 1 block)

• Alen Kozamernik (SLO):10 pts (6 attacks, 4 blocks)

• Lorenzo Romano (ITA):9 pts (7 attacks, 1 block, 1 ace)

• Flavio Gurgiulo (ITA):9 pts (6 attacks, 2 blocks, 1 ace)

Italy's solid performance and diverse attack showed that the team is mature and ready to fight for the title. The final will be a new challenge, but the "Azzurri" have already made history - with style, class, and teamwork. The Italians are waiting for their opponent - the winner of the Brazil-Poland semi-final.

Photo:volleyballworld.com