Italy and the United States claimed the first two semi-final slots at the 2022 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship.
The first semi-final spot in the 2022 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship has been secured by Italy. The current FIVB Volleyball Nations League and CEV European Championship holders, as well as the new number one team in the FIVB World Ranking, defeated China 3-1 (25-16, 25-22, 13-25, 25-17) in the quarter-finals in the Dutch city of Apeldoorn. The Italians have now advanced to the last four of the World Championships five times in the last six editions.
Paola Egonu, the standout opposite for Italy, scored a huge match-high 29 points. Anna Danesi, a middle blocker, added four blocks. With 14 points, Li Yingying was China’s most productive player. Italy’s opponents in the semi-final matchup on Wednesday will be determined by the outcome of today’s contest between Brazil and Japan.
The USA defeated Turkey to go to the semi-finals too. The victorious team from the Serbia vs Poland matchup will take on the Olympic champs. The World Championship semis include the United States again after eight years. The winners of the tournament from 2014 advanced to the final four of this year’s competition after placing fifth in 2018. The incumbent Olympic champions demonstrated their strength in the quarter-finals, sweeping Turkey 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-20) in Gliwice, Poland.
With a match-high 18 points, outside hitter Alexandra Frantti spearheaded the American offense against the Turks. Ebrar Karakurt led the losing side in scoring with 16 points.
2022 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship – quarter-finals:
In progress:
Brazil – Japan
8:30 p.m. local time:
Serbia – Poland
