In a heart-pounding thriller at the Kai Tak Arena in Hong Kong, Olympic champions Italy outlasted Japan 3-2 (25-23, 16-25, 25-15, 20-25, 19-17) to stay perfect in the 2025 Volleyball Nations League. It was a battle of the undefeated, but Italy proved why they’re still the team to beat, saving four Japanese match points in a dramatic overtime tiebreak.
The win takes Italy to 7-0 in the tournament, sitting pretty at the top with 19 points. Japan, despite the loss, picked up a point and now ranks third with 15 points and a 5-1 record.
The Match That Had It All
Japan were relentless in attack (76 successful spikes vs Italy’s 62) and edged ahead in service (6-5 in aces). But Italy’s defense made all the difference—outblocking Japan 13-5 and committing fewer unforced errors (18 vs. 25).
Key Stats:
- Sarah Fahr: 16 points (74% attack success), 2 blocks
- Paola Egonu: 16 points (12 kills, 3 aces, 1 block)
- Stella Nervini & Alice Degradi: 15 and 13 points
- Captain Anna Danesi: 11 points with 4 kill blocks
Japan’s top guns:
- Yukiko Wada: 28 points
- Mayu Ishikawa: 25 points
- Yoshino Sato: 17 points
Coach Julio Velasco lauded the team’s toughness:
“Japan played brilliantly. We had to adapt and defend at our best or we would’ve lost. It was a true team victory.”
In earlier match in Hong Kong, Czechia dominated Bulgaria in straight sets, showcasing impressive all-around volleyball. Czechia led the way with a 48–33 advantage in attack. They also outblocked Bulgaria 10–5 and had more aces, 5–2.
In clash from Istanbul Pool, Belgium secured a 3–1 win over Korea, with a crucial edge coming in the third set (31–29). Britt Herbots led the charge with 20 points, while Pauline Martin added 16.
June 20:
- Czechia def. Bulgaria 3-0 (25-19, 25-22, 25-11)
- Italy def. Japan 3-2 (25-23, 16-25, 25-15, 20-25, 19-17)
- Belgium def. Korea 3-1 (25-16, 20-25, 31-29, 25-12)
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- CEV CL M: Zawiercie and Lüneburg Start Pool D With Home Wins
- CEV CL M: Galatasaray Outlasts Knack Roeselare in Five-Set Battle