Overview

• Italy defeated Japan 3-2 (25-23; 16-25; 25-15; 20-25; 19-17) in a five-set thriller at Kai Tak Arena in Hong Kong.
• The victory marked Italy’s seventh straight win in the 2025 Volleyball Nations League, keeping them atop the standings with a 7-0 record.
• After dropping the second and fourth sets, captain Danesi and star opposite Paola Egonu produced crucial blocks and spikes to fuel the comeback.
• Substitutes Eze and Stella Nervini delivered timely points off the bench to swing momentum in Italy’s favor during the tie-break.
• Italy will rest and train on Saturday before facing host China on Sunday in their final match of the Hong Kong week.