It turned out to be seven wins in a row! The Italian women's volleyball team defeated the Japanese women's volleyball team 3-0 to advance to the final and represent the Chinese women's volleyball team. The Italian women's volleyball team and the Chinese women's volleyball team compete for the final championship.
On August 26, the second semifinal of the 2023 U21 Women's Volleyball World Championship, the Italian women's volleyball team played against the Japanese women's volleyball team.
In previous matches, the Italian women's volleyball team was the only team to win all six matches. The power of the Italian women's volleyball team is very strong. The Japanese women's volleyball team lost one match, that is, 1-3 to the Chinese team.
In the semi-finals, both teams played their best.
In the first game, Italy obviously played better. After a six-match draw, Italy scored four consecutive points to take the lead. The Japanese team played very tenaciously, scoring three consecutive points to close the gap. Italy scored two straight points to bring the score to 12:9. At 15 minutes and 11 seconds, Italy scored two consecutive points, bringing the difference to six points.
Italy continued to widen the gap, leading Japan 21-13. However, at 23 minutes and 17 seconds, Japan scored four consecutive points, leaving only two points behind. The Japanese team played tenaciously and defended effectively. But Italy still held the lead, winning the first set 25:22. The Italian team is very sharp in attack, with high deductions and strong momentum. The players are very mature and have a lot of experience in the game.
The second game Italy started 4-0. The Japanese team bent the net in a straight line. Italy scored three points in a row to widen the gap. At 13:8, the Italian team played a wave of 5:1, with a difference of 9 points. The Japanese team was a little overwhelmed. Italy continued to widen the gap, winning another set 25:13.
In the third game, Japan led 4:3, and Italy scored three consecutive points to tie the score. At 8 minutes and 7 seconds, Italy scored five consecutive points, bringing the difference to six points. The Japanese team has no chance. Although the Japanese team insists on chasing points, it is a pity that the gap between the strength of the two teams is too large. Italy maintains a lead of more than four points. He won the third set at 25:18.
In the end, Italy defeated Japan 3-0 and advanced to the final. If you count the group stage and the rematch, Italy has won seven in a row!
Throughout the match, the difference in strength between the two sides is obvious. The Italian players are tall, athletic and have great peak strength, comparable to the senior team. Their strong jump serve is also very threatening, and the first pass is received steadily, and the net has a clear advantage.
The Japanese team struggled with height. The average height of the Japanese team should be more than four centimeters shorter than the Italian team. Japan had a low deduction and was easily stopped by Italy. The Japanese team's serve quality is also average, and many of them go off the net. They also have no choice. If you don't work hard to serve, it's actually an opportunity.
In the final, the Chinese women's volleyball team played against the Italian women's volleyball team. In the semifinals, the Chinese women's volleyball team defeated the Brazilian women's volleyball team 3-2.
The Chinese team is about the same height as the Italian team, but the peak strength will be weaker. Tang Xin is a little better, her crushing pressure is very strong. Zhuang Yushan will be at a disadvantage. Zhuang Yushan is at a disadvantage in height, and the smashing power is not strong, so she can only rely on skill. The Chinese women's volleyball team must make good use of the attack of No. 2 and No. 3 positions, and cannot rely too much on No. 4 positions. The Chinese team has to fight for serve and then strengthen the defense.
I believe that the Chinese women's volleyball team has the strength to beat the Italian team.