Italy strengthened their path for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League Finals with a straight-sets victory over Argentina by winning 25-22, 25-22, 25-22.
The Azzurri secured their seventh win of the campaign with another disciplined display, improving to 23 points ahead of a final preliminary-round match against Cuba.
Although the scoreline suggested a comfortable afternoon, Argentina kept all three sets competitive. Italy’s experience proved decisive as Ferdinando De Giorgi’s side consistently produced their best volleyball in the closing stages to complete the sweep.
Yuri Romanò paced Italy with 15 points, while Mattia Bottolo added 13 and Daniele Lavia finished with nine. Argentina was led by Germán Gómez with 13 points, while Manuel Armoa and Luciano Vicentin contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively.
“We managed to stay focused during the important moments and continued building on our performances,” head coach Ferdinando De Giorgi said after the match.
Lavia welcomed another solid team display, saying Italy continues to improve with each match in Japan. “We knew Argentina would make us fight for every point. We’re growing as a team, and now our attention turns to Cuba.”
Italy wraps up the preliminary phase on Sunday against Cuba.
Result
Volleyball Nations League 2026 – Pool 9 (Osaka, Japan)
Italy 3-0 Argentina (25-22, 25-22, 25-22)