⑧ vs Italy 3-2 (21-25, 25-22, 22-25, 25-15, 15-9)
Ai-kun (who will probably become the ace later) serves. Photo by FIVB
First set starting lineup (serving order)
Japan
MB Onodera, S Fujii, OH Ishikawa, MB Lee, OP Otsuka, OH Takahashi Ai, L Yamamoto
Italy
OH Recine, MB Mosca, OP Nelli, OH Bottolo, MB Vitelli, S Spirito, L Baraso
When I saw Italy's starting line-up, I thought, "Sbertoli isn't there! I can't see the Milan match!" But the match started (lol) (I realized later that Mosca in the middle was also from Milan). Japan started with Otsuka in the opposite position. Even though the opponent was Italy, they were mainly young players without their main players, so I wanted them to get three points in this match, but it ended up being a full set.
In the first set, both teams were fighting for side-outs in the beginning, but Japan's S2 rotation (a rotation when the setter is in the right forward position) did not allow Italy to make consecutive breaks, widening the gap to 7-12. Otsuka managed to cut it off this time, but the gap in the points at that time had an impact, and Italy took the first set 25-21. Italy's starting player, OH Recine, is quite small for an attacker in Europe at 186 cm, but he performed well without showing that. It was a mystery why he had a tattoo of "Autumn" on his left arm (lol).
186cm Italian, Recine Photo by FIVB
The second set was a turning point for Japan. Japan replaced Onodera with Kentaro Takahashi. Italy made some mistakes in the early stages and led 8-5. In this set, Japan's spikes were successful, mainly with the three players on the side. Italy also replaced two players (Finally, Sbertoli is here! He doesn't look like he's 22! (lol)), but Japan maintained their lead in the early stages and took the set back 25-22.
The third set. This set was also a close match with neither side giving in. However, Italy's blocks gradually became more and more powerful, making it difficult for Japan's spikes to get through. Italy was unable to break through the opponent's defense and took the set 22-25.
The fourth set followed. Japan's serves were strong in this set. Although there were only two aces from Ai Takahashi, they managed to disrupt the Italian reception and lower the opponent's return rate. Before we knew it, Japan had won this set with a large margin of 25-15. There was one scene where Sbertoli, who had been substituted in the middle of the match, and Ishikawa matched up, but after the rally they were both grinning (lol). The old man commentating on Volleyball TV also said something like, "They're both laughing, because they're teammates in Milan" (lol).
The fifth set was the deciding factor. Yamauchi's quick serve from the fourth set and others extended the lead. After that, Takahashi Ai's serve led to an ace, and Japan pulled away with three consecutive breaks, including a pipe, to extend the lead to 12-7. After that, Japan continued to attack with serves, including an ace from Lee, and took the fifth set 15-9 to take the match.
Barking Ai Photo by FIVB
In recent years, I had the impression that they had often won against the Italian B team, but at that time, Nishida was always on the court. This time, they proved that they could win even without Nishida. But I hope Nishida comes back soon.
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