The United States women’s team secured a straight-sets victory over world No. 1 Italy, defeating the reigning Olympic champions 3-0 in Week Two of the 2026 Volleyball Nations League.
The Americans claimed the match 27-25, 25-20, 25-16 to improve to 6-1 in the competition and extend their winning streak to five matches.
Stephanie Samedy led the U.S. with 12 points, Madison Kubik-Banks added 11, while middle blockers Asjia O’Neal and Molly McCage combined for 18 points and six blocks.
After surviving a tightly contested opening set, the United States took control of the match. The Americans outblocked Italy 9-7 and committed only nine errors compared to Italy’s 17.
Italy, now 5-2 in the standings, struggled to find its rhythm against a well-organized U.S. team. Merit Adigwe led the Italian side with 13 points, while Sarah Fahr and Loveth Omoruyi added eight each and Stella Nervini finished with seven. However, the Europeans could not contain the American attack as the match went on.
Result: United States def. Italy 3-0 (27-25, 25-20, 25-16)
