The first part of the clash between Italy and the Americans was very even. The score was around a draw throughout the set (7:7, 18:18) and neither side was able to build a lasting advantage. Both teams had problems finishing their attacks, and the Italian volleyball players made more mistakes. The fate of the set was decided by actions from the score of 22:22. A missed serve by the Italians and a nice, technical attack by Matthew Anderson diagonally gave the advantage to the US team (22:24). Alessandro Michieletto responded, but Torey DeFalco clarified the matter in the next action (23:25).
See also: Nicknames of Polish volleyball players. “Dzik”, “Szampon”, “Fifi”… Where did the famous nicknames come from?
The second set, after an even start (7:7), was played with a minimal advantage for the United States team (9:11, 14:16). After an out-attack by their rivals, the Americans jumped three points (16:19). Later, Riccardo Sbertoli gave a good change, and his good serves contributed to changing the result (21:20). Daniele Lavia won a set point for Italy (24:23), but the rivals led to an advantage game. There were many service errors in it, and the victory of the US team was sealed by DeFalco’s attack (28:30).
The Americans started the third set with a strong attack. They quickly built a solid lead, and Aaron Russell (2:7) and Maxwell Holt (4:9) showed off with aces. Later it was 5:11 and that’s when the Italian volleyball players woke up. They started to make up for the losses – after an ace by Alessandro Michieletto they caught the contact (11:12), and an effective attack by this volleyball player equalized (14:14). A point-for-point fight began and again the fate of the set was decided in the end. Matthew Anderson won the match point for the USA, but after a moment Michieletto finished an incredible, long action. The advantage game was decided by an effective attack by Torey DeFalco (24:26).
Most points: Alessandro Michieletto (17), Yuri Romano (17) – Italy; Aaron Russell (15), Torey DeFalco (12), Maxwell Holt (11) – USA. Italy’s own mistakes made it easier for the Americans. The Italians scored better with their serve (5–2), while the USA players scored better with their block (5–9). Match duration: 1h 43min.
The U.S. volleyball team has won six medals at the Olympic Games. They have won three golds (Los Angeles 1984, Seoul 1988, Beijing 2008) and three bronzes (Barcelona 1992, Rio de Janeiro 2016, Paris 2024).
Italy – USA 0:3 (23:25, 28:30, 24:26)
Italy: Alessandro Michieletto, Simone Giannelli, Gianluca Galassi, Daniele Lavia, Yuri Romano, Roberto Russo – Fabio Balaso (free) oraz Riccardo Sbertoli, Giovanni Sanguinetti. Coach: Ferdinand De Giorgi.
USA: Matthew Anderson, Aaron Russell, Torey DeFalco, Micah Christenson, Maxwell Holt, Taylor Averill – Erik Shoji (libero). Coach: John Speraw.
Judges: Ivaylo Ivanov (Bulgaria) – Epaminondas Gerothodoros (Greece). Viewers: 9376.
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