In the first week of the Brazil round of the Volleyball Nations League 2024 Men's Tournament, the Japanese national team played against Italy on Saturday, May 25th (local time) and lost 1-3 (25-23, 16-25, 17-25, 17-25).
Starting members
Japan
OH: Otsuka (9), Kai (7)
MB: Yamauchi (3), Larry (5)
OP: Miyaura (20)
S: Fukatsu (1)
L: Ogawa
Substitutes: MB Kentaro (2), OH Tomita (1), OP Nishida, OH Takanashi
Italy
OH: Micheletto (17), Ravia (11)
MB: Galassi (9), Russo (9)
OP: Romano (20)
S: Giannelli (4)
L: Barrazo
Substitutes: OH Retine, S Sbertori, OH Porro
*Positions: OH = outside hitter, MB = middle blocker, OP = opposite, S = setter, L = libero
※ () indicates score
TOSHIKI'S MVP
Simone Giannelli
4 points (including 4 blocks), team attack effectiveness rate 421 TP 3T
He is truly the world's number one setter. Although he was hindered by Japan's blocking and defense in the first set, from the second set onwards he made a tremendous contribution to his team's victory with his excellent setting, scoring an astonishing team attack effectiveness rate of 551 TP3T (1 attack loss!).
He also made four blocks himself, but considering that he had scored nine points, including attacks and serves, in the previous day's match against Iran, his score against Japan was modest for him (laughs).
By the way, I am really looking forward to the next club season where I will be playing alongside Ishikawa Yuki at Perugia (Italy).
Match commentary
As expected, Italy, a serious team with a spot in the Paris Olympics at stake, was strong.
Japan won the first set in a close match thanks to their blocks and defense, Italy's mistakes, and OP Miyaura's outstanding performance, but from the second set onwards they struggled against Italy's highly successful spikes, serves, and blocks, which scored a total of 15 points in the four sets.
As was the case in the previous match against Cuba, S. Fukatsu was not able to use quick mid-range shots as effectively as S. Sekita, and as a result, side attacks and pipe attacks were difficult to score.
In the fourth set, we made good use of MB Kentaro, who was introduced in this set, and I think we were able to create a good offensive rhythm in the side-outs, but we couldn't stop Italy's attacks, and OH Micheletto's serve was phenomenal.
In the match against Cuba, S. Sekita came on as a substitute and did a great job of turning the game around, but I think Coach Blanc wanted S. Fukatsu to play until the end and turn the game around on his own, even if he lost the match. I think this was also a match to test his ability.
It is precisely against such opponents with good blocks that we need to repeatedly cut back with rebounds, but compared to OH Ishikawa and OH Ai, the four outside hitters who are coming to Brazil this time still lack the technique. This is also true when comparing OP Nishida and OP Miyaura.
OP Miyaura has a really good thing going, and in the 4th set, he showed signs of a comeback with his own service ace. However, I'm still concerned that the number of blocks he receives is not decreasing.
I think he has the same power as OP Nishida in terms of strong hits and serves, but OP Nishida seems to be better in terms of spikes in bad conditions, soft hits, and floor defense. Good luck Miyaken.
This week's big fever OH Kai also struggled a lot with spikes in this match. However, he didn't collapse in serve reception, which he was weak at, and he also did a good job of digging. The rest is just a matter of getting used to it. I think he'll be able to score big wins against such strong opponents soon.
Now, the next round will be held in Japan, which will move to Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, one week later.
It will be interesting to see how the team changes with Ishikawa and Ai joining the team.
The first match is against Iran, who don't seem to be in good form this season either, so I hope they win quickly.
For detailed match stats,Here
Highlight Video
Next race information
vs Iran
June 4th (Tuesday) 19:20~ (Japan time)
Television broadcast
Broadcast live on the TBS network
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Photo: FIVB
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