Italy hands Japan first loss in VNL 2023

Italy handed Japan its first loss in the 2023 Men's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in a tight four-setter, 29-27, 28-26, 23-25, 25-20, on Saturday in front of a jam-packed crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Japan was leading 19-16 in the fourth set before a block by Italy's Yuri Romano sparked a 6-0 run which gave Italy a 22-19 lead. However, an error by Romano gave Japan another point before Italy earned the win with a 3-0 run.

Romano registered 22 points on 16 attacks, three blocks, and three aces, while Daniele Lavia and Alessandro Michieletto had 18 and 14 points apiece to put Italy at second place with nine wins and three losses.

Yuki Ishikawa had 21 points, while Yuji Nishida and Tatsunori Otsuka posted 20 and 15 points, respectively, as Japan remained on the top of the standings with 10 wins and a loss.

Earlier,  Brazil won against China in straight sets, 25-19, 25-17, 25-17, while Poland also swept Canada, 25-21, 25-23, 27-25.

The last day of the VNL Manila leg on Sunday will see China going against Canada, Slovenia facing The Netherlands, and Japan taking on Poland.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News