【FULL MATCH】 Japan W vs. Italy W | Final - Volleyball Women's VNL 2024 - video Dailymotion

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Watch 【FULL MATCH】 Japan W vs. Italy W | Final - Volleyball Women's VNL 2024 - WSFM on Dailymotion

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00:00:00Today yeah, she was huge off the bench in that win over Poland

00:00:03She was a game-changer came out provided a lot of stability in the backcourt. It was putting balls down in the front

00:00:11This is what they're playing for

00:00:14The volleyball Nations League trophy for Bruce Pilatus is our up official

00:00:23The fans will count you down

00:00:31A

00:00:33Lisa or a serve goes to the outside. They will go to Koga to begin

00:00:46It's gonna be a tough day with the gun who up front along

00:00:50See that she's going straight over the block

00:00:52That's gonna happen time and time again with how high a gun who gets up that block much shorter in front of her

00:00:57Or stays on it down the line at Ishikawa hit the feather it's still over. Here's a free ball

00:01:11Another free ball to Japan what offense will they run?

00:01:18The chases on

00:01:21That one out of reach never count Japan out of getting a ball up

00:01:26Do you think that ball is down somehow Japan finds a way to scoop under it?

00:01:30Italy has to match that in the backcourt and try to outlast them defensively

00:01:40Trouble the team that chases it down

00:01:46Perfect past a tryout

00:01:48See

00:01:54See that we'll put it in play

00:01:58Another opportunity and an absolute hammer wide a warning shot

00:02:04The water water trying to avoid that big block in front of her

00:02:08She knows she can't go low seem because of how good the daisy is as a blocker tries to take it down the line

00:02:14But sneaking it out

00:02:16Early timeout taken by Japan

00:02:19Oh

00:02:44You're looking at one of the most incredible Libros in the game

00:02:48in Kojima, 2022 Volleyball Nations League Best Libro.

00:02:55Emily, what is it?

00:02:59Oro serve.

00:03:02Outside.

00:03:03Wada takes the swing.

00:03:05We called her name a lot last night.

00:03:07It's going to be really important for Japan

00:03:09to continue to swing high against this big Italian block,

00:03:12even with the speed that they're pushing it out to the pins.

00:03:15And Naisy's finding a way to close it.

00:03:17Good touch, though, from Magano.

00:03:25Wada behind the service line.

00:03:26Tries the outside of the barrel.

00:03:29Japan saying they didn't touch.

00:03:31An official saying they did.

00:03:34Koba.

00:03:38Again, Koba with the second hammer for the Japan player.

00:03:44Japan finding ways to outlast Italy.

00:03:47That backcourt defense, so good.

00:03:50Just keeping that ball alive.

00:03:52And then in transition, they're doing an incredible job

00:03:55in that outside pin.

00:03:55That's tough to do against Naisy and Magano.

00:03:58Ishikawa's serve with pace.

00:04:01Sela passes.

00:04:02She'll have an out-of-system swing.

00:04:07Find many that get down on Japan's side of the net.

00:04:09That one did.

00:04:10And kind of a miscommunication on Japan's side.

00:04:12Two players, that slight hesitation

00:04:15causes that ball to nearly fall between them.

00:04:17And then a chaotic point.

00:04:18They're not able to get that third touch over.

00:04:21Sela does a nice job getting opponents out of system.

00:04:24Will it work against Japan?

00:04:25Yes.

00:04:28Koba from the outside.

00:04:29It ends and gets Sela off the back line.

00:04:32Time and time again, Japan going to that outside set.

00:04:35Even out of system, they're running it with speed.

00:04:38That's a well-formed block for Italy.

00:04:40Koba's just finding a way around it.

00:04:49Yamada tries out Degradi.

00:04:52And Igano up on top.

00:04:53Still a touch block.

00:04:55Softens it up for Japan.

00:04:57As they go back to Wada, bringing the heat.

00:05:01Degradi tries tenderness.

00:05:03It's sent back again.

00:05:07Big swing and a huge block.

00:05:10Degradi put an end to the conversation.

00:05:13And if we've learned anything throughout the DNL finals,

00:05:15it's that you can't test out the block of Anna De'Nasi,

00:05:18because it's going to come back in your face every single time.

00:05:26Koba takes a nice swing and out of system set.

00:05:31For Japan.

00:05:32Paolo Igano getting used time and time again on the outside.

00:05:34We've seen three or four points now just

00:05:36going right off her hands.

00:05:40Let's see if Japan can frustrate Igano by chipping away.

00:05:49Great serve.

00:05:50Plenty of speed.

00:05:50Degradi frees up her shoulder for a crushing attack.

00:05:56Degradi's a player that doesn't go to off speeds often,

00:05:59because she's got a hammer like that going in between seams,

00:06:02sometimes up and over.

00:06:03She's going to use that strength to her advantage.

00:06:06Now Paolo Igano's in the service line.

00:06:12Eide tries it out.

00:06:14We talked about De'Nasi.

00:06:15How about Farr, too?

00:06:16Yeah, Farr's just as good up front.

00:06:18It doesn't matter if it's De'Nasi or Farr.

00:06:20They take complete control of the net.

00:06:22And that's so difficult to do with how fast Japan

00:06:25runs their offense.

00:06:26They're moving so well side to side.

00:06:29Igano inspires an overpass.

00:06:31Where will they go?

00:06:32They'll go back to Igano.

00:06:34Hammered by Kojima.

00:06:41Degradi flexes her muscle again.

00:06:46She's just finding ways to slice through that block.

00:06:49Not a very big seam for her to hit through,

00:06:51but she saw it perfectly.

00:06:54How about that up, Kojima, just to keep it alive,

00:06:57taking the heat.

00:06:59Degradi, too strong.

00:07:00Very quickly, Japan calls their second and final time

00:07:03out of this set.

00:07:27Italy has rattled off three consecutive points.

00:07:31Degradi with three points already.

00:07:32She had six yesterday coming in late in that match

00:07:35in relief role and played an integral role.

00:07:37And it wasn't just a point that she scored.

00:07:39It was really that serve receive as well.

00:07:41She shirted up.

00:07:43Igano, third serve, absorbed by Kojima.

00:07:50Set goes to Igano.

00:07:54Koga's going to take a swing.

00:07:57Another great pickup.

00:08:00Degradi pulls the string and drops it

00:08:03in the center of the Japan defense.

00:08:06We've seen how hard she can hit these balls,

00:08:08but it's sometimes those off speeds

00:08:10that show just how good of a player

00:08:12she is because she knows right exactly where to put it.

00:08:19Fourth serve, just as strong for Igano.

00:08:24Emily, what is it about Koga that she

00:08:26uses the hands so well?

00:08:28She just does a phenomenal job seeing

00:08:29exactly where they are, and then with precision,

00:08:32just going right off that outside hand.

00:08:34She does it time and time again.

00:08:46A miss on the serve and a break for Italy.

00:08:50What has given Japan trouble so far as Italy doubles them up?

00:08:54Well, it's really just the aggressive play from Italy.

00:08:56We've seen from the service line knocking him out of system,

00:08:59which has been big.

00:09:01A less aggressive serve.

00:09:04And that's just so tough.

00:09:05Do you reach back?

00:09:06Do you not?

00:09:07Making that decision.

00:09:08Yeah, a lot of times you want that backcourt defender

00:09:10to call it off so the frontcourt doesn't reach back,

00:09:12but in an environment like this, they might be calling it off.

00:09:15You might just not be able to hear it.

00:09:22Heidi's serve.

00:09:26And a hammer.

00:09:27If you leave Italy in system, that's

00:09:28what's going to happen.

00:09:29You have to serve Italy so tough,

00:09:31because those middles have the ability to go absolutely off.

00:09:34Especially in this matchup, it's pretty much

00:09:36going to be one-on-one every time.

00:09:38That's advantage Italy.

00:09:46Scoop underneath in system again.

00:09:49Ooh, that was nasty.

00:09:52Attack to the chest by Yamada.

00:09:54That slide attack is one of Japan's fastest sets out

00:09:57to the pin.

00:09:58Check out how quick this is.

00:09:59It's barely a foot over the net before the hitter

00:10:02gets on top of it.

00:10:03It's blown up.

00:10:12Perfect pass.

00:10:13Ogano again in the backcourt.

00:10:17Too powerful to be contained.

00:10:19Japan in the right position to make some of these plays,

00:10:22but Paolo Ogano just uses way too much power.

00:10:24You might think you're there, but you still

00:10:26have to control that ball.

00:10:29Now a reminder that Japan out of timeouts.

00:10:32They got to figure it out on their side.

00:10:36Koga from the backcourt.

00:10:37She does the same thing that we just saw Degrati do.

00:10:40Hammer away and then pull the string.

00:10:42So smart from Koga.

00:10:43We've seen her use that power.

00:10:44That's what makes this roll shot so effective,

00:10:46because you expect her to go back to that power

00:10:48time and time again.

00:10:59Sela takes her first swing.

00:11:01It will be up.

00:11:02Koga.

00:11:03Ejected on the block.

00:11:12Sharp and then super sharp.

00:11:15Curve by Ogano.

00:11:18And who else but Ogano can hit that kind of shot

00:11:20with a fully formed double block in front of her?

00:11:23Just going straight up and over it.

00:11:25You can't see it.

00:11:26Just going straight up and over it.

00:11:28Usually, you see attackers go up and over, hit deep.

00:11:31She's going as sharp as it gets.

00:11:39Great eye by Kojima.

00:11:48Maryam Sela played a big role in the last couple of matches.

00:11:52We'll see if she contributes the same way again today.

00:11:56Japan trailing by four.

00:11:58Yamada's serve at Sela, as expected.

00:12:02What a block to the middle.

00:12:04Denezey, denied again.

00:12:07Oh!

00:12:09Degrade plays insulted.

00:12:14And didn't get that first ball.

00:12:15And clearly, it did something to her,

00:12:17because she put a little bit of extra something into that.

00:12:21That is how dare you block my ball.

00:12:22That's exactly what she's saying with her skills.

00:12:25And Iwasaki's lucky she got her hands up in time.

00:12:29Here comes Degrade again.

00:12:31Keeps it in play.

00:12:33Kojima back.

00:12:37Uh-oh.

00:12:39Now she's just playing.

00:12:42She's a sprinkler, hitting every angle of the court.

00:12:44That's the sharpest yet.

00:12:45And that's what Palogano does.

00:12:46It doesn't matter where you line up this block.

00:12:48She still has the ability to hit pretty much any shot,

00:12:51especially when she's going clear over.

00:12:53She can do whatever she wants.

00:12:55That contact is crazy.

00:12:59Back again.

00:12:59And just too powerful is Wada, pushing through the block.

00:13:03She was special yesterday.

00:13:04Yukiko Wada was incredible against Brazil.

00:13:07She came in off the bench and was an instant spark

00:13:09that this team needed.

00:13:11Found ways to just barrel through the block.

00:13:1521 points for Wada yesterday.

00:13:20Heck of a serve right now.

00:13:23Woo!

00:13:24Oh, I think they're very happy they started Degrade.

00:13:27She is crushing early.

00:13:29Degrade just looks completely dialed.

00:13:31And every swing that we've seen her take

00:13:33has been so using that intelligence to her advantage.

00:13:36So smart.

00:13:42A little bit of a break for Japan.

00:13:44Last time around, Adonis served four.

00:13:53Oh, good serve, going to Dejanaro.

00:13:58Ah, great idea.

00:14:00Execution falls short.

00:14:02And great defensive play in the backcourt.

00:14:05Just a good touch on that ball, resulting in the transition.

00:14:08Offensively, just not quite there.

00:14:10It's up.

00:14:11Silla.

00:14:13And a net violation against Japan.

00:14:17Emily, you talked about Degrade more than offensive help.

00:14:20Her serve, receive.

00:14:21She also served 13 balls last night.

00:14:23Stayed on that back line, getting the other team out

00:14:26of system.

00:14:26Doesn't show up as aces.

00:14:27She's not going to be able to do that.

00:14:29She's going to have to come back.

00:14:30She's going to have to come back.

00:14:31She's going to have to come back.

00:14:33She's going to have to come back.

00:14:34She's going to have to come back.

00:14:36She's going to have to come back.

00:14:37She's going to have to come back.

00:14:39Doesn't show up as aces, but it's pressure.

00:14:46Good ball over the top.

00:14:48Kind of saw it coming.

00:14:49Couldn't stop it.

00:14:50Yeah, really well placed for Mishikawa on the outside.

00:14:53Looks like she's going to attack this ball at the last second.

00:14:55Just drops it right over the block,

00:14:57right between all the players.

00:15:00It's a six-point deficit for Japan.

00:15:05Heidi served to Silla.

00:15:08Punch.

00:15:08Not sure why.

00:15:12And if you give it back to Japan,

00:15:14they're going to send it back with hate.

00:15:16Yamada.

00:15:17Any easy ball on Japan's side is going

00:15:19to result in that fast offense.

00:15:20And it is so tough to stop and get that blocker closed.

00:15:23Almost a seam every time for them to go through.

00:15:27Second serve, Friday.

00:15:32Trouble.

00:15:34Free ball.

00:15:35What will they do?

00:15:39Great up by Dejanaro.

00:15:40No libero on Japan's side.

00:15:43Taken care of.

00:15:45How about Awasaki?

00:15:48That's a ball Japan had to convert

00:15:49on a mishandled second touch.

00:15:52This ball, kind of a perfect set for Japan on the other side

00:15:55to put down.

00:15:56Great job by the setter going up.

00:16:08Let's see how it goes.

00:16:31Japan putting on a run of their own.

00:16:33Three unanswered points.

00:16:37We've seen Aida Biabe go off from the service line.

00:16:39She's done it time and time again.

00:16:40And every finals matchup up to this point,

00:16:43just putting bullets back there.

00:16:51Nice pass.

00:16:52Sela slowed.

00:16:54That's what Japan's block does.

00:16:56It just slows until it can devastate you.

00:16:58Degrade brings it super in system.

00:17:01And this time, Sela puts it down with a tip.

00:17:04Really well-placed tip from Sela.

00:17:06It's difficult to have a clean kill on Japan's side.

00:17:09But this was a perfect place to do it, right

00:17:11in the middle of all the players,

00:17:12in the middle of the court, about 10 feet off.

00:17:20Far serving.

00:17:22Goes at Koga in the middle.

00:17:26All right, it's going to be a Yamada kind of night, I think.

00:17:29The game plan for Japan, clear.

00:17:32When they can, get the middle involved as often as possible.

00:17:34Because of the speed that they run it,

00:17:36it's been really difficult for Italy to close.

00:17:41Veterans center, Awasaki, 35 years old.

00:17:47Gets Italy out of system.

00:17:49Sela's got a block in front of her.

00:17:51Smart choice.

00:17:52Just recycles it to let Igano take a swing.

00:17:56On anybody else, yes.

00:17:57But not on Fukuyo Dome.

00:18:02Oh, here she goes.

00:18:03Corrections can't get there.

00:18:06Italy, the first to reach 20.

00:18:09Italy just asserting their dominance against Japan,

00:18:13hanging with them in these long rallies.

00:18:14And that is so tough to do against a team that

00:18:16is absolutely relentless.

00:18:23Great pass.

00:18:24Give and go.

00:18:26Chest dig, Igano.

00:18:28Instead of going sharp, she goes rough off the hands.

00:18:32How about a transition play?

00:18:34Setter taking one right to the chest.

00:18:36Doesn't matter how you get it up.

00:18:37You just have to get it up.

00:18:39A good heads up play by Sela to set that ball to Igano

00:18:41on the right side.

00:18:47Targeting the outside, brought back.

00:18:50Picked up beautifully by Dejanaro.

00:18:52Uh-oh.

00:18:53That could be a missed opportunity.

00:18:58Kojima, nice set back.

00:19:03Alicia Degradi in the coffin corner where balls go to die.

00:19:09Just beautiful defense.

00:19:11Dejanaro laying out for every single ball,

00:19:14nothing hitting the floor on Italy's side.

00:19:16This is why I love when teams play Japan,

00:19:18because it elevates their defense to levels

00:19:20that we haven't necessarily seen.

00:19:24Trouble pass.

00:19:26Now time to clean it up.

00:19:28Everything Japan touches turns to gold

00:19:33when they have that great first pass.

00:19:35Yeah, when the pass is good initially,

00:19:37the offense is so fast, it is nearly impossible for Italy's

00:19:40middles to close it up.

00:19:41It's been successful.

00:19:42It's just a question of whether they're in system or not.

00:19:46Trailing by six in the first set.

00:19:51Ishikawa.

00:19:56Ogano tries it a little bit differently.

00:19:58Kikudome.

00:20:01Beautiful set to Wada, as she gets another point for Japan.

00:20:07This is smart in this rotation to continue

00:20:09setting the ball on the right side of the court to Wada,

00:20:11because that's a blocking matchup that's

00:20:13a little bit better with Sela up front, rather than going out

00:20:15to where Ogano is.

00:20:16Tape.

00:20:17Sela picks this up, and also a hit off the block.

00:20:30And we've seen a lot of that from Italy,

00:20:31just going right over the top of the block.

00:20:34Japan's getting a touch on it, but it's just going well up

00:20:37and over the back row.

00:20:44Nice pass.

00:20:45They go outside to Koga.

00:20:49Tight ball on.

00:20:50Recycled again.

00:20:52It's that.

00:20:52It's a beautiful set that comes out.

00:20:55That one outside, and Italy sits at set point.

00:21:02Such a close ball.

00:21:03Koga trying to go for that line.

00:21:05Just execution, slightly off.

00:21:07Tape.

00:21:14Good swing.

00:21:16Not so fast, my friend.

00:21:17Wada hammers another.

00:21:19Ball is out, and Italy wins the first set.

00:21:25Oh, so close.

00:21:27Japan trying to paint the sidelines

00:21:28on some of these balls, because that's

00:21:29what you have to do against Italy.

00:21:31And that block is perfectly formed.

00:21:33It forces teams to hit the ball out of bounds,

00:21:35because you can't go right through it.

00:21:36We've seen what happens when you try to test Italy's block.

00:21:39It just doesn't work.

00:21:40Emily, what can Japan do?

00:21:42They had a slow start, but what else?

00:21:43They could pass just a little bit better.

00:21:45We saw when the pass was perfect.

00:21:48They score at such a high clip, because of how fast

00:21:50the offense was.

00:21:51But they've been out of system too often,

00:21:53forcing them to go to the pins.

00:21:55The middle blockers have been waiting on it.

00:21:56They're either getting a block, a good touch,

00:21:58or the hitters are going out of bounds.

00:22:01Set one of the gold medal match in the books.

00:22:04World rank number one, Italy, wins 25-17 by 8.

00:22:11They led the whole way.

00:22:16Let me take a look at the numbers, Emily.

00:22:18What stories do they tell?

00:22:22See those attack errors, or just regular errors on Japan's side

00:22:256.

00:22:25Normally, this is a very, very good attack.

00:22:28Japan's side 6, normally, this is a very, very clean team.

00:22:32We saw just how clean they were when they played Brazil.

00:22:35Only 15 errors in a five-set match.

00:22:37That is absolutely insane.

00:22:40We know how clean this Japan team can play,

00:22:42but they're not doing it against Italy

00:22:44right now, because that block is forcing them to do otherwise.

00:22:47Taking a look at the 1x bet probability.

00:22:50Look, it's still incredibly close.

00:22:52Even, we'll call it.

00:22:5551-49.

00:22:56I'm not quite sure how.

00:22:59Japan was underestimated on that.

00:23:02Fans loving it.

00:23:05These fans just, the spirit in this entire building

00:23:08has been so much fun.

00:23:10Every single match, they've been showing up,

00:23:12they've been cheering hard.

00:23:13And it feels like there's contingence for both sides,

00:23:15because it's not just one team that's getting cheered for,

00:23:18it's really both of them in every single match.

00:23:20It feels like there's eruptions after every single point.

00:23:25Looking at the attack zones for Japan, you talked about it.

00:23:28Not a lot coming from the middle.

00:23:30Yeah, not too much coming from the middle.

00:23:32Japan gets very pin-heavy, which is normal,

00:23:34but they also have to establish that middle early on

00:23:36to open things up for some of those pins.

00:23:39On the other side, some of Italy's strength

00:23:41is in the middle.

00:23:42Yeah, Italy normally goes to those middles

00:23:44a bit more than 13%, but they've had so much success

00:23:47from the outside.

00:23:48And of course, that 33%, most of that

00:23:50coming from Paolo Agonu as well.

00:23:56Italy owned the first set from the start.

00:24:00Japan, well, they have a picky start to the second set.

00:24:03That's what they need.

00:24:05Take a look at your time-stop scores.

00:24:07And Aliche Di Grotti doing a phenomenal job

00:24:10finding ways to score against this very dynamic

00:24:12Japanese block.

00:24:13Look, they might be shorter, but they still

00:24:15put up a very solid ball.

00:24:18Aliche Di Grotti can cause a lot of pain.

00:24:21Aliche Di Grotti can cause a lot of pain.

00:24:2417 points versus Serbia, 16 versus Turkey,

00:24:29is tonight going to be one of those nights.

00:24:34I'd say six in the first set is a pretty good indication.

00:24:37Very good indication, and good for Italy

00:24:39that they haven't had to rely on a player like Paolo Agonu.

00:24:42Normally, in chaotic situations, they'll just

00:24:44chuck the ball up to her and say, hey, have fun up there.

00:24:46But they've been able to run more of a dynamic offense.

00:24:48And it's a bit of an Olympic preview, really,

00:24:50when we look at Italy's other contributors,

00:24:53other than like Denise Ifar and Agonu.

00:24:57Very impressive.

00:25:03Second set, first serve, and it's a trouble pass.

00:25:09Free ball.

00:25:11Heidi behind.

00:25:14It's brought back.

00:25:15Wow.

00:25:17What a play.

00:25:19Outside the antenna.

00:25:21Oh, no.

00:25:22I love that run, though.

00:25:24Oh, the hustle from Agonu to save that ball.

00:25:27It looked so good.

00:25:32That's what you love, seeing players just lay out for it.

00:25:35Oh, just over the antenna.

00:25:39Our fantastic bolt six capturing it exactly.

00:25:42Oro to Denise.

00:25:43Oro to Denise.

00:25:46Italy's middle is just absolute money when that pass is good.

00:25:50Oro makes sure to get them going in serve receive.

00:25:53Denise is so good when she's one on one.

00:25:59Feels like the score is more than 1-1.

00:26:04These rallies are long.

00:26:06Heidi, does she get any hands?

00:26:08She sure does.

00:26:10Big shot from Heidi.

00:26:13She knows she has to hit high against this big Italian block.

00:26:16Not hitting straight down, just going right off the fingertips.

00:26:19Heidi, in years past, did not save a lot of playing time.

00:26:22She has broken out this year in Volleyball Nations League.

00:26:27DeRatty's pass is on the money.

00:26:30Agonu straight down, but guess who's there?

00:26:34This is a treat.

00:26:36Fukudome is unconscious.

00:26:40Unbelievable some of the balls that she gets up.

00:26:43The ability to scoop under a play like that is so, so hard

00:26:46because your reaction time has got to be split.

00:26:49I can't understand it.

00:26:51Like, my brain saw it.

00:26:52I can't understand it.

00:26:54I'm with you.

00:26:55Even in slow-mo.

00:26:59Tight.

00:27:02Will never celebrate soon.

00:27:05Ishikawa, then go back.

00:27:08Still up.

00:27:09Ishikawa again.

00:27:13DeRatty muscles it through for another Italy point.

00:27:18A new right side on Japan's side, but DeRatty doesn't care.

00:27:21She's still going to continue to hammer that high hand shot.

00:27:24She's done it nearly every single time.

00:27:27A block and then an attack from DeRatty.

00:27:31That was a little more insistent than you were talking about.

00:27:35But the attack misses.

00:27:39They're not calling for a touch.

00:27:50They're going up against Uganu, and you just talked about it, Emily.

00:27:53That's not the suggested set.

00:27:55It is absolutely not the suggested set.

00:27:57Anytime Uganu's front court, she just wraps those arms around the ball,

00:28:01reaches for it so well.

00:28:03What she does so well as a blocker, she gets those hands over fast.

00:28:06It's not up, then over.

00:28:07She shoots them out.

00:28:08Yeah, and Farr as well.

00:28:09Formidable block.

00:28:10But they go right back.

00:28:11There they are.

00:28:12Tries a little something different.

00:28:14Farr will set DeRatty.

00:28:23Oh, to the middle.

00:28:24And Farr.

00:28:25Here's a chance for Japan.

00:28:27Miscommunication.

00:28:28That could be really costly as they go back to Uganu.

00:28:33Power Uganu to the back line.

00:28:35It's good.

00:28:39Not much you can do about that when Uganu gets set in an out-of-system situation.

00:28:44Just going sheer up and over.

00:28:46She's nearly a foot over that block.

00:28:49It's terrifying.

00:28:51What a pass.

00:28:52Just a delivery.

00:28:55Back to Uganu.

00:28:57Kojima.

00:29:04Get the ball up again.

00:29:07Kojima's unbelievable.

00:29:12Outlasts as Farr pushes it down the block.

00:29:15Wow, Kojima.

00:29:16I mean, those ups just absolutely exploding to get out to these balls.

00:29:20Kojima everywhere on the floor.

00:29:22And it's obvious, but it's not just that she's getting to the balls.

00:29:26It's where the ball goes when she digs it.

00:29:28Yeah, she digs it high enough for the setter to come in and make a good second contact.

00:29:32And it puts it right in the setter's hands half the time.

00:29:34There it is.

00:29:36Ayi will set.

00:29:38Ishikawa comes in and takes a great swing.

00:29:42Ishikawa identifying that she doesn't have many cross-court shots often with how good Italy's middles are.

00:29:48But this one left inside.

00:29:49Blockers don't identify it.

00:29:50She can rip it right inside.

00:29:53Ishikawa had a tremendous night last night as well versus Brazil with 16 points.

00:29:5816 points.

00:30:02Passes on from Sela.

00:30:04The joust.

00:30:07A little stand and liver.

00:30:10Agano again.

00:30:11She goes up and bounces it.

00:30:14Absolutely destroys the ball.

00:30:17An absolutely perfect set from Oro on this ball.

00:30:20Leaves it high enough but off the net.

00:30:22Those ones that she's been missing have been just a little bit too tight trying to tip it.

00:30:26Leave her off so she can just go up and over.

00:30:28Yeah, when you've got one blocker, it's hitting once.

00:30:34Koga has to jump back for that set.

00:30:36Still manages to put it away.

00:30:40A big swing from Koga.

00:30:41Timing a little bit off on this set but finds a way to make it work right between the seam.

00:30:46Koga has been part of this Japanese national team since she was 18 years old.

00:30:5210 years ago.

00:30:56Middle.

00:30:57Italy's looking so smooth.

00:30:59So smooth.

00:31:00Anytime Italy's in system, I mean, they're just so tough to stop because these middles are so good.

00:31:04And Oro sets with so much range.

00:31:06She can get them going nearly by the 3-meter line.

00:31:15Again, the middles are out of it for Japan because of that pass.

00:31:19It's alright.

00:31:20Koga cleans it up.

00:31:22Koga doing a phenomenal job trying to rip inside this block,

00:31:26but seeing where it is first and then seeing which shot that she has and unloading on it.

00:31:31Watching the Japanese fans just in awe of her like royalty Koga is to the Japanese.

00:31:39Zilla.

00:31:40Good swing.

00:31:41I don't know how that ball comes up and then puts down.

00:31:44Are you kidding me?

00:31:45You're watching one of the best libros in the world, Fukudome.

00:31:51Just incredible the reaction time to get that ball up and nearly perfect so the setter can run it outside.

00:31:58Amazing.

00:32:05To the middle.

00:32:06Little ball.

00:32:07It's okay.

00:32:08Fukudome is going to set it over her shoulder just perfectly.

00:32:12Big block.

00:32:14Block.

00:32:18And it's Italy outlasted.

00:32:20Koga block, but then Italy puts it away.

00:32:23Italy's done a good job of hanging with this Japanese defense because it is frustrating as heck when you're playing them as an attacker.

00:32:30You think you have the ball down.

00:32:31You're taking big swings and all of a sudden you're seeing jaw-dropping plays left and right to keep it up.

00:32:36These hitters just have stayed in it well.

00:32:40Koga passes and attacks.

00:32:44Drops it down.

00:32:46She mixes speed so well.

00:32:48Japan having a much better start to the second step, playing toe-to-toe with Italy.

00:32:53That's exactly what they need to do and then limit those errors from what we saw in set one.

00:32:57Japan trailing only by one.

00:33:00They used two timeouts very early in the first set.

00:33:04Had to swim out of it themselves.

00:33:07Hirate's pass.

00:33:09Takes the middles out.

00:33:11Oh my goodness.

00:33:13The thumb down for Magano.

00:33:16Superhuman.

00:33:17Beautiful shot from Magano.

00:33:19Block taking away the cross-court, but a big lane for her to hit down the line.

00:33:23Even slicing it she uses power.

00:33:28Rotation one for Italy.

00:33:30Oro serving.

00:33:33Kojima perfect pass.

00:33:36Not talking about Dejanara on that either.

00:33:41Wow, that one.

00:33:43Beautiful.

00:33:45Magano now just ripping the line back-to-back.

00:33:48We've seen her go cross-court.

00:33:50Just showing off her range.

00:33:51She can really do it all.

00:33:54Right, because we've seen her go so sharp, so sharp, and then so line.

00:33:59The world's her oyster when she is hitting.

00:34:03Two players collide.

00:34:05There's only one person to set.

00:34:10Shikawa.

00:34:12Oro will put a very tough ball up.

00:34:17What a block by Sela.

00:34:20Could have had a better pass there to run your middles.

00:34:22Didn't. Missed opportunity.

00:34:26But an epic dig by Dejanara.

00:34:29The defense is incredible.

00:34:31Finally, the rally ends with a shot to the middle.

00:34:36Italy hanging with Japan, but Japan outlasting them.

00:34:39Using that speed again to their advantage.

00:34:42Just this quick tip thrown in.

00:34:44Italy can't handle it.

00:34:46You could cup that one rally up into five different highlights.

00:34:50Italy won the first set.

00:34:52Japan trailing this one just by two.

00:35:04Pass is good.

00:35:06Run the middle.

00:35:08A huge block by Eide.

00:35:10Another big block.

00:35:14It's up.

00:35:17It's up.

00:35:19It's for Nishikawa.

00:35:21Did you say big block?

00:35:23We'll show you a big block.

00:35:27There's a brick wall up front.

00:35:29Denezey getting all the way outside.

00:35:31Out of system.

00:35:33They knew where it was going.

00:35:35Perfect hands right next to each other.

00:35:37Back to back.

00:35:47Back little ball.

00:35:49Dejanara puts it up right into Oro's hands.

00:35:52Over dig.

00:35:54Dejanara again.

00:35:56Ogana.

00:35:58An exclamation point.

00:36:00You want to dig the first one?

00:36:02Dig this.

00:36:04Every ball that's set off the net for her,

00:36:06she has put down every time.

00:36:08It's those tight ones that Japan's digging

00:36:10because she doesn't have the full range to swing.

00:36:12When she does have that full range,

00:36:14she can absolutely unload.

00:36:19Just beautiful.

00:36:45Hit them that one.

00:36:55Italy has 13 points.

00:36:57Five of them Ogana attacks in this set.

00:37:00Those are incredible numbers,

00:37:02but then when you see it's Paola Ogana,

00:37:04it's like, oh, that makes sense

00:37:06because she does this time and time again,

00:37:08even against some of the top teams in the entire world.

00:37:11Special guests in the box today.

00:37:16Marion Sela.

00:37:19Serving after the timeout.

00:37:22Pass is great.

00:37:24Eide behind.

00:37:25Spreading it out, getting away from Denezzi.

00:37:29Ball put up, Eide stays behind again.

00:37:32Goes inside the block butt wide.

00:37:37That block just having such an influence on Japan's attack

00:37:40because they might not be getting touches,

00:37:42but they're big enough there that it's forcing Japan

00:37:45to try to hit balls where they don't want to.

00:37:47Yeah, that's right.

00:37:48Makes you do something different.

00:37:54Type of what a play by Denezzi.

00:37:56She decides to set that in the air.

00:37:58Like that was next level middle blocker.

00:38:01Not too hungry to smack that down.

00:38:03Yeah, it looked like it caught everyone off guard

00:38:05except Oro who knew she was going to set it

00:38:07to step in and take that second ball.

00:38:09I think she was going to smash it.

00:38:10Yeah, fairly generous of her, frankly.

00:38:17That's a trap set.

00:38:18They put her in a phone booth at that point.

00:38:20There's nowhere to go.

00:38:21Yeah, absolutely nowhere to go.

00:38:22And this is the rotation where Japan has to avoid

00:38:25setting the ball outside.

00:38:26They have to use that right side with Degradi up front.

00:38:29For the second consecutive set,

00:38:31Japan will call their second timeout

00:38:36before they reach 10 goals.

00:38:39Left, left.

00:39:02Five unanswered points.

00:39:04Emily, you said that, you know,

00:39:06Japan was being forced to do something

00:39:08they didn't want to do.

00:39:09What do you think Japan wants to do?

00:39:11I think they want to run this fast tempo offense,

00:39:13but they haven't been able to

00:39:14because they're at a system too often.

00:39:17So when that set is higher,

00:39:18the Italian block is there.

00:39:20That's forcing these errors to happen going out

00:39:22because the block's so big.

00:39:28From the middle.

00:39:30Another block.

00:39:33Italy dominating the net.

00:39:35The solo stuff this time.

00:39:37Ana Denezzi.

00:39:38Beautiful read.

00:39:39Hands diving back into the seam,

00:39:41seeing where Koga wants to go.

00:39:43People talk about aces,

00:39:44but Miriam Sela has had double figure serves

00:39:47attempts in every match.

00:39:51Stay on that back line.

00:39:52It gets help from her front court block.

00:39:55And that is the serve working so well with the block.

00:39:58You see that higher set

00:39:59because it was slightly out of system

00:40:01gives that block time to form.

00:40:03It's go time up there for Raganu.

00:40:08Uh-oh.

00:40:10Denezzi off, passes the ball, gets it back.

00:40:13Hits it with a purse wide.

00:40:18That connection just a little bit off.

00:40:19Normally very, very consistent.

00:40:22Look for them to go right back to run a good pass.

00:40:25Meanwhile, Sela comes out.

00:40:26Giovannini comes in.

00:40:29They put her in sometimes to steady that serve receive.

00:40:32Uh-oh.

00:40:34Any overpass can be really dangerous.

00:40:36Not happening.

00:40:39Trying to pop it in.

00:40:45Good running.

00:40:46Using the block against them.

00:40:49Using the block and using her power up front too.

00:40:51The block in a good place,

00:40:52but they can't handle how much power is coming at them.

00:40:56Put this ball up.

00:40:59Slowed by the block.

00:41:02Yeah, and she was underneath the net.

00:41:05When Denezzi went to get that ball,

00:41:07I think she slid too far across the line.

00:41:10Yeah, a bit of a chaotic play.

00:41:11We saw a player come in sliding in.

00:41:14If any part of you crosses over the line,

00:41:16it's a little bit of a chaotic play.

00:41:18It's a little bit of a chaotic play.

00:41:20It's a little bit of a chaotic play.

00:41:21It's a little bit of a chaotic play.

00:41:22It's a little bit of a chaotic play.

00:41:24If any part of you crosses over that line and touches it,

00:41:27affecting the play.

00:41:31Right there, there's middle blockers there.

00:41:32It's a follow through.

00:41:33Yep.

00:41:34Momentum.

00:41:38Ferrari.

00:41:39Panthers are tough.

00:41:40It's just the out of system hitting from Italy is elite.

00:41:44And then the block.

00:41:46Back again.

00:41:47Koga.

00:41:49Beautiful.

00:41:52Double popped.

00:41:53Oh, and what a run.

00:41:55Such a good up on Italy's side.

00:41:57A perfect time to run the middle in transition.

00:42:01Far smiling that one off.

00:42:04Dejanaro did kept that ball alive.

00:42:06So good.

00:42:15Tight ball.

00:42:16See, on anybody else, that would be a trap set.

00:42:19But on Higano,

00:42:21it's a chance to just be long, be tall.

00:42:24Especially with this mismatch.

00:42:25I mean, she's just going up and over.

00:42:27Ideally, you want to keep her off,

00:42:28but she can handle those tight sets because of how tall she is.

00:42:31And she pushes into the scene, right?

00:42:33She's not going against one.

00:42:40Out of bounds.

00:42:41That's huge.

00:42:42That is a huge play for Japan.

00:42:44Because you get Higano off the service line,

00:42:46but a lot of work to be done.

00:42:49Down by seven.

00:42:51Now, Japan, this is when they need to make that switch

00:42:53if they want to come back in this.

00:42:56They have Eide, one of the most prolific servers.

00:43:02Oh, no.

00:43:03Now everything going wrong.

00:43:04Japan touches the net.

00:43:07And Italy is steamrolling.

00:43:09And these are the stakes you can't have when you're down seven.

00:43:12Now eight in a set.

00:43:13You have to play as clean as possible if you want to come back.

00:43:19Sela back in for Italy.

00:43:27Perfect pass.

00:43:28They don't run the middle because you've got Farr up there.

00:43:32Without Higano, they're able to go outside with a little more ease.

00:43:37And this is a much smarter decision to run that outside set

00:43:40because Oro's up front a much shorter blocker at 178

00:43:43than Higano is at 193.

00:43:49Trailing by seven.

00:43:55Higano.

00:43:56So powerful.

00:43:57It comes down on the Japan side of the net.

00:43:59Not sealed.

00:44:00Hakoga in a perfect position to make this block,

00:44:02but hands just not pressed over enough.

00:44:04The power Higano brings is too much.

00:44:08And look how high she's flying up there.

00:44:11Her head's over the net.

00:44:12Yeah, she goes at Yamada, who's still trying to close at that point.

00:44:15Eight point lead.

00:44:16Far serve.

00:44:20Yeah.

00:44:21Make that defense move.

00:44:24You know, way pulling the string.

00:44:27A really smart shot.

00:44:28Just going to the middle of the court.

00:44:30The campfire right between everyone.

00:44:46Unless you're being picked up off the floor.

00:44:48And Italy is looking so strong.

00:44:52They've got a front court setter in Oro.

00:44:54Don't think she won't do it.

00:44:56She will absolutely attack the ball.

00:45:04Outside.

00:45:05Inoue.

00:45:07Ball will go to Sila.

00:45:09Big pump from Sila is no good.

00:45:12The timing kind of off with Sila on this swing.

00:45:14Fading back, trying to hit this ball.

00:45:17Falling down causes it to go straight up and out.

00:45:22Italy calls.

00:45:23First time out of this set.

00:45:43Out.

00:46:09A little bit of a run by Japan.

00:46:11Just slowing things down.

00:46:20It's up.

00:46:21I don't know how it was up for Fukudome.

00:46:24But it was up and not converted upon.

00:46:27Italy steamrolling their way towards a set two victory.

00:46:31Italy with all the momentum right now.

00:46:33Just putting the ball in places that even Japan's defense can't get to.

00:46:41Emily, what changed in this second set to make it just so dominating for Italy?

00:46:56Well, Italy's playing such a clean game.

00:46:58And it's really every facet.

00:47:00It's the blocking.

00:47:01The passing is good.

00:47:02Attacking wise, they're consistent.

00:47:04They haven't let up.

00:47:11Outside.

00:47:12Sila got on top of that.

00:47:15An easy finish for Sila off this perfect pass.

00:47:18With tempo outside, hole in the block.

00:47:21Easy rip throw.

00:47:25Set point.

00:47:26Italy.

00:47:36No way.

00:47:37Doug.

00:47:38Quick to Degratti.

00:47:40Off the block and out.

00:47:42Degratti continues to penalize Japan.

00:47:47And Italy is up two sets to none.

00:47:50Are they going to sweep again?

00:47:51You said it, Emily.

00:47:52They've swept seven of their last 10 opponents.

00:47:55Could this be number eight?

00:47:56And they have been phenomenal.

00:47:57I think with how this match is going so far, it looks like they could do it.

00:48:01They are playing so clean and consistent.

00:48:03That's what we've seen Italy do every time they step out on the court.

00:48:07It's really nothing Japan's doing that wrong.

00:48:09They just haven't really been able to get into a rhythm

00:48:11because of how aggressive and dominant Italy's been playing.

00:48:17Number one ranked team in the world.

00:48:19We get it, right?

00:48:20You're looking at them.

00:48:22What helps when you have one of the best, if not the best,

00:48:24player in the world with Paolo Gannu.

00:48:2617 points already through just two sets.

00:48:31Our special guest today, Mrs. Rita Suolo,

00:48:34the Asian Volleyball Confederation president and FIVB committee member.

00:48:39And Dr. Eric Gracca, president of the International Volleyball Federation.

00:48:47Just wonderful to have them here again.

00:48:49They have been here throughout the week.

00:48:51It's been so fun to have the spectacle here

00:48:54and have the leadership of so many different federations

00:48:58and committees and volleyball worlds here in one place

00:49:01to get together and see this event that they put on

00:49:03because it's been amazing for us and I think all the fans in it too.

00:49:07Oh, absolutely.

00:49:12As we look at this Italy team,

00:49:15they're just smooth and they're nearly flawless.

00:49:18Yeah, and that's what you have to do to try to beat them too.

00:49:21You have to find the rhythm early and play very low air

00:49:23because you know that Italy is not going to give you very many free points.

00:49:28Let's go down to Dave Rogers to find out what they're thinking.

00:49:33Thanks, Anne-Marie.

00:49:35Right, coach, as of last night, Italy are the number one team in the world.

00:49:40Do you feel like the number one team in the world?

00:49:43It's nice, it's nice.

00:49:46But now we have to win another set.

00:49:49Now we restart 0-0.

00:49:51We play against Japan.

00:49:52We are creating them problems because we defend against Japan.

00:49:56I think this is the difference because we are defending a lot,

00:49:59more attention to their tips, their roll shots.

00:50:02We are working good.

00:50:03At the end of the second set we did some mistakes

00:50:05but we have to restart absolutely with the attention of the other two sets.

00:50:09No mistakes, patience in block and after in transition to slow attack.

00:50:15Is it going as well as it looks like it is?

00:50:18Because we think it does but obviously with the coach's eye,

00:50:20you look at things differently.

00:50:23No, I think that it looks like we are playing, I think,

00:50:27with more attention in the other situation.

00:50:29Because we play against Japan, you have to defend like Japan.

00:50:32We said this with the girls and the girls are doing good in this

00:50:37after we are playing good in attack

00:50:39but we have to continue to defend, defend and defend.

00:50:41Are you happy?

00:50:42Yes, for sure.

00:50:43But what is important is the end and not the moment.

00:50:47Of course you are.

00:50:48Hey, good luck.

00:50:49He can never just say yes.

00:50:50Of course he's happy.

00:50:51No coach is ever happy until the end.

00:50:55Here's the numbers from set two and it's all Italy.

00:50:59Yes, all Italy from a blocking and defensive standpoint.

00:51:02You heard coach say it.

00:51:03To beat Japan you have to defense or dig like Japan does.

00:51:08They are doing that as well which doesn't show up on that score sheet.

00:51:11Well, now our 1X bet probability is leaning the other way.

00:51:16Absolutely 71%.

00:51:19Let's go back down to Dave Rogers to get the other side of the story.

00:51:23Well, first of all, a little health check

00:51:26because I know yesterday took quite a lot out of you.

00:51:28So how is your voice today?

00:51:30Wow, getting better, I think.

00:51:33How do you stop Egonu?

00:51:35Wow, it's so difficult.

00:51:37She's great but we cannot give up.

00:51:42We have to work hard.

00:51:44Well, the task hasn't really changed, has it?

00:51:46You still need to win three sets to be champions.

00:51:49So how are you going to do it?

00:51:51Hey, you know, we are Japanese so maybe too nice.

00:51:54You know, we have to be mean a little bit and get the energy, right?

00:51:58I believe it when I see it.

00:52:00Good luck.

00:52:01Have you ever seen a mean Japanese person in your life?

00:52:04No, but that was an incredible interview.

00:52:07Let's look at the player comparison.

00:52:11Ishikawa 6 points but Paolo Egonu 17 already

00:52:14just putting on a show for these fans right now.

00:52:16And those block points, that's something we don't talk about enough.

00:52:19Her ability to just go up and wrap around,

00:52:22grab that ball on the other side to shut down opponents has been incredible.

00:52:27And Ishikawa did not look mean,

00:52:28but maybe she can summon it up somewhere in there.

00:52:31Here's the thing about Italy.

00:52:33They get stronger with each set.

00:52:35We watched them dominate Poland yesterday.

00:52:38It was 25-18, then a little less 17, then it was a little less 12.

00:52:42So for Japan, how important is this start?

00:52:46The start is absolutely essential for this team

00:52:49and really for their confidence, too, just to show,

00:52:51hey, we can hang with this team.

00:52:53We saw them hang with them through the first about 10 points of that second set,

00:52:57but they have to extend that and keep it going.

00:53:00Oro will start serving.

00:53:05First point, Japan.

00:53:07I don't know if it was a mean swing, but it was aggressive.

00:53:09Yeah, get mean, Japan.

00:53:10Come on.

00:53:12Putting a little bit of extra something into that one.

00:53:14Hayashi, good one.

00:53:15Yeah, Hayashi gets the start in this set.

00:53:20She's the best outside hitter in Japan League this past season.

00:53:26Trouble.

00:53:30Hayashi, first touch, gets the ball back again.

00:53:34Degratti all over it.

00:53:38And Miriam Sela to the deep court.

00:53:43Sela with the save and Sela with the finish.

00:53:46A good layout for that ball.

00:53:48Nearly taking out one of the cameras.

00:53:50Jumps back in it.

00:53:52And, yeah, she can also do that.

00:53:55I love that our camera still gets the shot.

00:53:58Put on a helmet and get in there.

00:53:59Perfectly done.

00:54:00Sela.

00:54:02Good scoop underneath.

00:54:06Thumbs up dig.

00:54:08It's set wide.

00:54:09But, again, we're just amazed by Coach Yamamoto's serve.

00:54:13Just absolutely incredible.

00:54:15The way that she can just handle everything on her side.

00:54:17And not just get it up, but get it up to the setter is incredible.

00:54:22Here is Hayashi.

00:54:30Italy is stacked right.

00:54:33She serves away from it.

00:54:35Dejanaro.

00:54:36And it goes back to Ogano.

00:54:38She doesn't swing.

00:54:39It's a break.

00:54:40Up and over the block.

00:54:43It'll be another swing for Ogano.

00:54:45Generally speaking, if she puts this first one in soft,

00:54:48she'll punish you with the second.

00:54:51It's just like Coach Gunn said.

00:54:53It's very tough to stop Paola Ogano.

00:54:55What they have to do is they just have to try or try to handle everyone else.

00:54:58We've seen teams do this.

00:55:00Let Ogano have her kills.

00:55:01Just try to contain everyone.

00:55:04And just serve as tough as you can, right?

00:55:06Yeah.

00:55:07She's an outlet, so it's still going to be an issue.

00:55:15Dejanaro back in with Koga serving.

00:55:22Pass from Sela is good.

00:55:25Big, causing chaos.

00:55:29Change of pace.

00:55:30What a big up.

00:55:33Once again, return to the story.

00:55:36Italy's block.

00:55:39And the way that the middle gets their right hand on the left hand of

00:55:42whoever's on the right side is just incredible.

00:55:44They work so well together, go up at the same time.

00:55:48And there are no seams in that.

00:55:56Ogano takes something off her serve.

00:56:01What a dig.

00:56:02And underneath, it makes it look so easy.

00:56:06Italy firing on all cylinders.

00:56:09Big transition play.

00:56:10Dejanaro making that just somehow look easy,

00:56:12because that came with a lot of heat.

00:56:14Great job being down and ready, platform up to just scoop it.

00:56:23All first touches, great.

00:56:25But, Emily, this team looks capable, not only of a VNL gold medal,

00:56:30but potentially an Olympic gold medal.

00:56:32This team absolutely does.

00:56:33I think it's really their all-around game.

00:56:34They have terminal pins.

00:56:35They have one of the best block, if not the best block in the world.

00:56:38An incredible setter and libero, and the world's best player.

00:56:42Yeah.

00:56:47In the 2022 World Championships,

00:56:50this Italy team lost to Brazil in the semis,

00:56:52swept USA in the bronze medal match.

00:56:55They've swept everybody here.

00:56:58No one has escaped their pressure.

00:57:00Seven of the last ten have been sweeps.

00:57:02Degradi.

00:57:05Down the line.

00:57:06Just plugging play on this Italian team.

00:57:08And it's been incredible, because, of course, we know what Palogano can do,

00:57:11but really, Sela and Degradi.

00:57:13And Pozzetti, when she's in there as well, just put balls down left and right.

00:57:18Yeah, we haven't seen Pozzetti today.

00:57:20Degradi got the start and is holding on to it.

00:57:24Great pass.

00:57:25Far.

00:57:28Backcourt to Koga.

00:57:29You go to your best.

00:57:31We're saying there was a block touch.

00:57:35Sela.

00:57:36They went away from Palogano on that set, and I was surprised.

00:57:39She could have hit a backcourt ball.

00:57:41Yeah, maybe just want to try to save her arm a little bit for I don't know what,

00:57:45but maybe limit that jump count.

00:57:52That's a great block.

00:57:55Iraki just closes it.

00:58:04Outside to Sela again.

00:58:06Goes up and over the top.

00:58:11Oranoro combining far.

00:58:13Goes across the other way.

00:58:14Dejanar will put it out to Aganu.

00:58:19It's got to be a big swing.

00:58:24Back to Sela.

00:58:26She'll just keep it in play.

00:58:29You cannot give Italy another swing,

00:58:32because they'll do that.

00:58:34Terminal to the back third of the court by Sela.

00:58:38Italy's defense working so hard to stay with Japan in these rallies,

00:58:43and they're doing it so well.

00:58:45Everyone in the backcourt just exhausted right now

00:58:48trying to catch their breath after a rally like that.

00:58:51I'm convinced that Japan has to get first ball side outs here.

00:58:56It has to be their focus.

00:58:57They're trailing by two, because if Italy gets it, they just convert it.

00:59:04Block is sent back.

00:59:08Again, into the pro's nest.

00:59:12On a backcourt.

00:59:14Koga.

00:59:15Is it good?

00:59:16It sure is.

00:59:19There's some life in this Japan team.

00:59:21Great transition play.

00:59:22Koga coming flying through the back row.

00:59:25That front court not ready for it on Italy's side.

00:59:37Inoue serving.

00:59:42Serves into the stack left.

00:59:43Keeping it on Sela.

00:59:44That's okay.

00:59:46The counter's on the right.

00:59:49Koga.

00:59:51Dainese sends it back again.

00:59:53Dainese sends it back again with Oro.

00:59:57And then through Dainese for the kill goes Inoue.

01:00:03This coverage on Japan's side doing such a great job all the way down.

01:00:09If that ball goes straight down, they're scooping it right back up to transition.

01:00:19Level at sevens.

01:00:21Sela passes the first ball.

01:00:22We'll get it back.

01:00:24And just unloads cross court.

01:00:26That first ball side out for Italy has been pretty easy.

01:00:29Japan's not serving them tough enough.

01:00:31But even if they're out of system, the outsides have done a great job of putting it down right away.

01:00:37Yeah.

01:00:38I mean, again, if you're out of system, hitter is Paula Ogano.

01:00:42She doesn't care where it is.

01:00:45Koga.

01:00:47Slowed by the block.

01:00:48Degradi.

01:00:49That's a nasty tip.

01:00:51Filthy, but it's picked up.

01:00:53Koga.

01:00:57I'm done with you.

01:00:59Koga ends the play.

01:01:03So much strength from Koga to stay in this rally, despite some impressive Italian ups.

01:01:09Just two overpasses in a row.

01:01:11Can't handle it.

01:01:23Sela is backed up.

01:01:26It's been a while since Dainese ate.

01:01:28They fed her in the middle.

01:01:30Another first ball side out on Italy's side.

01:01:32A beautiful fend off by Sela.

01:01:34That was a really impressive serve.

01:01:36Sela was just better.

01:01:43Perfect pass.

01:01:46Perfect pass.

01:01:47They're not running the middle, but they are running the pipe up the back.

01:01:50And when Japan's in system, it's so fast, too.

01:01:54Even that backcourt, Vic, is lightning quick.

01:01:57Yeah.

01:01:58Dainese doesn't even jump with the frontcourt player.

01:02:00She knows.

01:02:01They're going away from her on that.

01:02:04Outside.

01:02:05Degradi.

01:02:09Koga picked up by Dejanaro.

01:02:15Japan block.

01:02:18Japan takes the lead in set number three.

01:02:22Italy's been going away from Pellegrano, but this feels like a time where maybe they should go right back to her.

01:02:29Especially while she's frontcourt.

01:02:35They agree.

01:02:38And Uganu paints the sideline.

01:02:40It's like you bring your big brother with you and you say, handle this for me, will you?

01:02:44Sometimes it feels like Italy doesn't use Uganu because they feel like they don't have to.

01:02:47But in these situations, probably just want to end this match as soon as possible.

01:02:51Just keep chucking it up to her.

01:02:57Great dig by Dainese.

01:03:01And just outlasted as Yamada protects the middle.

01:03:06Yamada doing a great job up front, controlling the pace at the net, especially these overpasses she's taken full control of.

01:03:18Can they do it?

01:03:19Japan, their first lead of this match.

01:03:26Ball.

01:03:28Outside.

01:03:31Ball is good.

01:03:33Italy chooses not to pound, and Japan hammers.

01:03:38Just another good finish.

01:03:39That overload set, despite the big block, they're finding ways around it.

01:03:44Out goes Sadafar, and in comes Marina Lubian.

01:03:58It's just enough to break the spell.

01:04:01Sometimes that's all it takes.

01:04:02It doesn't have to be a timeout.

01:04:04You just switch one player, stall that server a little bit longer.

01:04:10Lead is cut to one.

01:04:13Lugano on the service line.

01:04:18It'll be outside.

01:04:19Big block.

01:04:20Slowed.

01:04:22Recycled again.

01:04:25This time, over.

01:04:27You've got the smaller arrow up front.

01:04:30So smart to target that setter.

01:04:33Nearly going right into the seam.

01:04:35Just a beautiful shot inside.

01:04:46Yamada to Igrati.

01:04:51Lugano is down.

01:04:52An opportunity for Japan.

01:04:55But no.

01:04:57Italy returns to their roots and builds a wall.

01:05:01Good response on that outside block.

01:05:03Oro getting in on it.

01:05:04This time turns those hands inside to get it.

01:05:14Koga from the backcourt has it dropped.

01:05:17Japan again extends that lead to two.

01:05:20Can they push it to three?

01:05:24And that speed just working.

01:05:26And this is where they have to try to make a run and point score as much as possible

01:05:30to extend it further and further.

01:05:32Because they know Italy can come back.

01:05:36Fukudome in.

01:05:38Defensive Libro.

01:05:42Picked up.

01:05:43Fukudome will set.

01:05:46That's all good.

01:05:47It is.

01:05:48Japan with their largest lead of the match.

01:05:52And this out of system play.

01:05:54Not an easy ball to hit.

01:05:56Now watch the outside.

01:05:58He chucked it up and hoped for the best.

01:05:59And no way.

01:06:00Finds a way to make it work.

01:06:02That was a mean shot today.

01:06:34Over 6,000 spectators here.

01:06:44The crowds have been consistent.

01:06:47This atmosphere just absolutely incredible.

01:06:49It's just noise constantly.

01:06:50Yeah, it's a party.

01:06:54They're cheering hard for Japan.

01:07:00Pass is good.

01:07:01It's up.

01:07:02Fukudome will set.

01:07:05Nagradi vacuums the backcourt.

01:07:09And then Miria Sela.

01:07:12Just puts it away in the corner.

01:07:15The big bomb from Sela on the outside.

01:07:18Seeing where this block is.

01:07:19Just hitting the perfect shot back to the deep corner.

01:07:22Going over the top.

01:07:24I bet you Fukudome is mad about that.

01:07:27In her range that she's going to vacuum that up.

01:07:38Block sends it back again.

01:07:39No problem.

01:07:41Here it is.

01:07:42Big block in front of you.

01:07:45Cue the music.

01:07:46Here comes Paolo O'Gama.

01:07:51They got the smaller block up there against them.

01:07:53Japan trying to work it.

01:07:55Miriam Sela goes soft.

01:07:57Will she pay for it?

01:07:58Yes, she will.

01:08:00Turn down the line.

01:08:02Japan is on a roll.

01:08:05It was a smart decision from Sela to throw it in

01:08:07just to take out the setter.

01:08:09But Japan is so good at a system it didn't matter.

01:08:19Are there cracks in the Italian armor?

01:08:24An ace.

01:08:26Four point lead.

01:08:27The largest of the match for Japan.

01:08:31Mercy and Japan just take full control of this set.

01:08:35In every aspect of the game they are not down and out yet.

01:08:39Feels tenuous though.

01:08:40Paolo O'Gama has her longest run here.

01:08:42She goes left to right.

01:08:43She's backcourt.

01:08:47Another ace.

01:08:48Back to back aces.

01:08:51Wow.

01:08:54That looks about as close as it's going to get.

01:08:58Just dropping it right on that line between DeGradi and Sela.

01:09:04If you pass that ball people will say that was going out.

01:09:16The magic can't continue forever.

01:09:19Sometimes that's all it takes.

01:09:20Just that sub thrown in.

01:09:21Give a different look.

01:09:22Force them to think about one more thing on the service line.

01:09:26Rosetti.

01:09:27In for DeGradi.

01:09:29Now Italy back in their best rotation with the Ghanu front row.

01:09:33We'll see what the score changes there.

01:09:36Five point lead.

01:09:38De Janeiro big.

01:09:40Sela carves net side of the defender.

01:09:45Wow.

01:09:46How about that slice?

01:09:48Sela turning that right thumb down allowing her to hit that shot.

01:09:51But man, De Janeiro in the backcourt.

01:09:54Oh, my.

01:09:57Koga was right there saying, how'd you beat me that side?

01:10:01I love the joy that Sela plays with always.

01:10:03Just big smiles.

01:10:05Thumbed up for herself and her teammates.

01:10:10Borough.

01:10:12A little bit of a trouble pass, but can't hit their outsides anyway.

01:10:18Sela again.

01:10:20It's got to go over, and Igano is front court.

01:10:25And that hurts.

01:10:30Igano.

01:10:32Second time's the charm.

01:10:35Every time Igano doesn't get that first kill,

01:10:37Oro knows to go right back to her because she brings just a little extra something.

01:10:41You can tell that first ball that doesn't go down frustrates her.

01:10:46Every time, you're right.

01:10:49Time out for Japan.

01:11:23Crowd is rocking, enjoying this match.

01:11:27Japan's lead that was four now cut to two.

01:11:43Koga left to clean it up, and she does.

01:11:46A great response by Japan after the time out.

01:11:51Big to side out in that rotation.

01:11:54Continuing to try to chip away and get Paolo Igano off the front line,

01:11:58but she's still up there.

01:12:01Getting past that big block, man, that is so tough with Dainese and Igano,

01:12:04but she just slices inside it.

01:12:12Pass is nice.

01:12:14The rare set to the middle.

01:12:16Dainese getting fed.

01:12:19Perfect pass.

01:12:20That allows this middle to get involved.

01:12:22You know it's going to be one-on-one because those blockers have to worry

01:12:25about their pins in front of them.

01:12:36Deep ball.

01:12:38Igano, take cover.

01:12:41Stake.

01:12:44Can't give Igano a second chance, and they don't.

01:12:48Japan the first to 20 in this must-win set.

01:12:51Japan's backboard is doing a much better job defending Paolo Igano.

01:12:55They know she has to go up and over the block,

01:12:58so they're stepping back just a little bit more and playing that ball forward.

01:13:19Pass is good.

01:13:20Outside.

01:13:23Came in late.

01:13:24Gets a nice swing.

01:13:26This is what Italy needs to continue to do,

01:13:28just try to chip away at that lead.

01:13:32One to five point lead.

01:13:33Cut down.

01:13:43Off the block.

01:13:45Can Japan hang on?

01:13:47Win this third set.

01:13:49This is when it's so important.

01:13:50When you're in the last five points of this set,

01:13:53you have to play as clean as possible, and you've got to find a way to finish.

01:14:06Causing disruption.

01:14:09Japan has gone to work,

01:14:12and Italy will take their final time out.

01:14:43The last few points have been trading blow for blow,

01:14:51and that's just fine with Japan in their four point lead.

01:14:55Just don't allow an Italy run if you're a Japan side.

01:15:07Koga serve to Busetti.

01:15:10Back.

01:15:12And Ghanou with authority to middle back.

01:15:17That's a big swing that Italy needed.

01:15:19Now that'll send Ghanou back on the line.

01:15:22Smart decision to bring in Entropova.

01:15:25Big blocker on the right side.

01:15:27Stands at two meters too.

01:15:31So now what are you going to do, right?

01:15:33A huge front line.

01:15:35And everything out of system on Italy's side.

01:15:41Is that a rogue buzzer?

01:15:47Sela frustrated. It was a rogue buzzer.

01:15:50Nothing you can do about it.

01:16:01Ghanou will serve again.

01:16:03Does this mean she's going to be even stronger?

01:16:06Or will the buzzer disrupt?

01:16:10Kojima in the center of the Japanese serve receive.

01:16:31Kojima in the center of the serve receive.

01:16:32Ghanou takes something off of it after the break.

01:16:36I get it.

01:16:40Busetti.

01:16:42Puts it away.

01:16:44Italy within two.

01:16:47A big swing from Busetti.

01:16:50Hasn't taken many tonight.

01:16:52Coming in off the bench.

01:16:53She has to be a game changer to bring Italy back in it.

01:16:56This is what she has to do.

01:16:58She's working hard and De Janeiro doing all she can to keep it up.

01:17:09One, two, three.

01:17:40Italy back-to-back points.

01:17:42Both teams out of timeouts.

01:17:45Paola Ghanou.

01:17:47Breaks.

01:17:54Italy plus three, I guarantee.

01:17:56Nobody's feeling great about it.

01:17:59Camby comes in.

01:18:01Just set for Italy.

01:18:03Yamada will go to the service line.

01:18:07If there was ever time to have a serve in, this is it.

01:18:15This is good.

01:18:17It'll be out of system.

01:18:19That's what you do.

01:18:21You come off the bench like Antropova and get a kill.

01:18:24And we've seen Antropova go off during matches.

01:18:27We know she can come in off the bench and be a complete game changer.

01:18:30She's got to do a little more of that and be huge on the outside.

01:18:34That's a brave swing by Antropova.

01:18:40Outside.

01:18:41Bloch sends it back, but the cover is even better.

01:18:44Off hands.

01:18:46Sela.

01:18:50Koga comes in.

01:18:51Everybody knows it's going to her.

01:18:53Sela again.

01:18:54Bloch.

01:18:56Incredible up by De Janeiro.

01:19:01Wow.

01:19:02Take a break.

01:19:18Set point, Japan.

01:19:28The dig.

01:19:29The kill goes wide.

01:19:31And Japan bounces back to win set number three.

01:19:36Wow.

01:19:37What a response.

01:19:40Just when you think this Japan team is out 25-17, 25-17,

01:19:45you might think they don't have confidence against this Italian team

01:19:48that had just been dominating them.

01:19:50But from the jump, they came out with a new fire, new spirit.

01:19:53We heard Coach Ken say they needed to play a little bit mean.

01:19:56Yeah.

01:19:57I think we saw that from Japan.

01:19:58There was just so much fight in that team.

01:20:00They did not back down.

01:20:01Exactly.

01:20:02Don't mind the smiles.

01:20:03They're mean.

01:20:04That's what Coach wanted.

01:20:05That's what he's getting.

01:20:06Fantastic response by Japan.

01:20:10What was the difference, Emily, in that set?

01:20:12I think Inoue really stepped up eight points in just that set alone.

01:20:15The pins did a great job beating the block.

01:20:18That's why we saw so many substitutions on Italy's side.

01:20:21The block couldn't stop them where we had seen them stop them

01:20:23through the first two.

01:20:25Looking at the numbers, Japan played a really nice game.

01:20:29Yeah, a really nice game.

01:20:30And nearly flawless, just three errors that set to Italy's seven.

01:20:34Numbers we have not seen from Italy in a long time.

01:20:37Normally a very clean team.

01:20:39A couple of service pressure aces as well as getting them out of system

01:20:43quite a bit.

01:20:47And, oh, it was 71%.

01:20:49Now it's kind of swinging back toward the middle.

01:20:52We have the fourth set coming up.

01:20:53One expat can't make up its mind.

01:20:58I can't either.

01:21:00Just got to get more volleyball.

01:21:03The gold medal match between Japan and Italy as advertised.

01:21:11This is exactly what we expected when these two teams matched up.

01:21:14It's physicality against speed and relentless defense.

01:21:18You never know who's going to win out.

01:21:20We saw last night that that speed won out against Brazil.

01:21:23Can they do it again against another number one world-ranked team?

01:21:28A couple of names that we called a few times,

01:21:31Cecilia and Inoue, against each other were fantastic.

01:21:49Emily, what was Italy lacking?

01:21:52Well, they didn't have much middle involvement.

01:21:53I think Pologano could have been used just a little bit more

01:21:56when she's in the front court.

01:21:58They didn't set her often enough.

01:21:59When she was up there, she was racking up kills,

01:22:01but they weren't in system enough to get the middles going,

01:22:04which would have allowed the pins to open up later on.

01:22:07But they were out of system too often to do it.

01:22:18Poland has arrived, the bronze medalists.

01:22:22Smiles all around.

01:22:26Back-to-back bronze medalists as they beat Brazil,

01:22:30a Brazil team that came into the finals round perfect.

01:22:35Yeah, that was an incredible win for this Poland team

01:22:37and just the trajectory of that team to go up and up,

01:22:40back-to-back medals in the VNL for the first time in history.

01:22:43So fun to see that team just get better and better each year.

01:22:46I mean, it's unbelievable.

01:22:47They were a challenger team last year.

01:22:55They beat some superpowers last year.

01:22:57They beat the United States for that bronze 3-2.

01:23:01And then today, Brazil.

01:23:07And will we have another five-setter here

01:23:09in the gold medal match?

01:23:11Time will tell.

01:23:17What Japan did really well in that fourth set was

01:23:19they started fast as heck.

01:23:20I mean, they just put Italy in uncomfortable situations,

01:23:24knocked them out of system.

01:23:25We're hitting around that block.

01:23:26They have to do it again here in set four.

01:23:30From the back court, that's a different look.

01:23:32We haven't seen it from that zone from either way.

01:23:36Yeah, we're seeing Japan get a little more dynamic

01:23:39in their offense, moving hitters around,

01:23:41especially in the back row, seeing a lot through the pipe,

01:23:43but not toward that right side of the court.

01:23:47She's the best.

01:23:48I love Selah.

01:23:49Everything's dramatic, but in a good way.

01:23:52She's Italian.

01:23:53What are you going to do?

01:23:57Great pass.

01:24:00With Rossetti getting the start for Italy,

01:24:02she puts that one in the hands of Oro.

01:24:05Yeah, she was helpful for that kind of push

01:24:07at the end of the set.

01:24:09Better job.

01:24:10And Farr finally getting that middle involvement

01:24:12that Italy lacked last set.

01:24:15Time to put on your helmets as Uganda serves.

01:24:20From the back court, no touch.

01:24:22Ball, Italy.

01:24:23Point.

01:24:25Already two errors on Japan's side.

01:24:27We saw just three in total during that third set.

01:24:30They have to play as clean as possible

01:24:32if they want to do it again.

01:24:38Beautiful pass.

01:24:39Makes the middle blocker move, but she does.

01:24:43Farr goes coast to coast to tap that back.

01:24:46The way that Farr just explodes out to the pin is so impressive.

01:24:49She has such a big first step.

01:24:51That allows her to get there in time.

01:24:53And if she's not, she still gets those hands there in time.

01:24:55Wow.

01:25:00Uganda's only going to get stronger with each serve.

01:25:04Koga.

01:25:05Back court, but not after Kojima's beautiful first touch

01:25:09paves the way.

01:25:11Just a perfect pass after perfect pass.

01:25:13If you're going to serve the libero,

01:25:14it's got to be tougher than that because she's

01:25:16going to handle it every time.

01:25:26Pass is good, and they feed the middle.

01:25:29Big advantage for Italy when you match up the middles.

01:25:31Yeah, clearly a game plan going in.

01:25:33If they have a perfect pass, they

01:25:34have to get Farr and Dainese involved in this game.

01:25:43Bozzetti.

01:25:44Beautiful pass.

01:25:48It's up.

01:25:49There's an arrow up.

01:25:50Uganda will keep this in play.

01:25:54Long push with the block.

01:25:56So far over the net.

01:26:01Back.

01:26:02Uganda.

01:26:03It's still good until it isn't.

01:26:07Iwasaki ready to run out of the gym to play that ball.

01:26:10That's the fight that we see from Japan all the time.

01:26:13It's just not enough when you're going up

01:26:15against a player that brings that much power every time.

01:26:19When in trouble, Japan likes to take their timeouts early.

01:26:23This four-point lead is enough.

01:26:49Hit it.

01:27:02All the stands are doing Macarena right now.

01:27:06There's Uganda, and Bozzetti will continue to serve.

01:27:14Oh, yeah.

01:27:15Poland having fun.

01:27:17Oh, she's leading the way.

01:27:22Outside.

01:27:23It's a little bit of a run for it.

01:27:27Sela.

01:27:29And Coca's going to have to swing against a huge block.

01:27:32Well played.

01:27:35Again, the block is massive.

01:27:39Italy doesn't give her anywhere to go.

01:27:42Alicia Oro just stands at 1 meter 78,

01:27:45and she can get up there.

01:27:47We saw her do it against Poland.

01:27:48Five blocks in that one, too.

01:27:51Just phenomenal up front.

01:27:53There's nothing a setter loves more than blocks.

01:27:55They don't get to hit, so that's their way of showing dominance.

01:28:02Beautiful.

01:28:03It's still good, though.

01:28:04Still good.

01:28:05Sela will put it over for a free ball.

01:28:06What will Japan run?

01:28:08Bringing their middle behind.

01:28:11De Janeiro.

01:28:16Down.

01:28:17I'm thinking, oh, gosh, they're going to go to Agana.

01:28:19That's a really tough ball.

01:28:22Sela.

01:28:24Nope.

01:28:25It goes long.

01:28:28Sela trying to work those high hands,

01:28:30but it is tough in these rallies.

01:28:32So difficult to try to put a ball down against either side

01:28:35because it plays like that time and time again.

01:28:38Good reads, running after balls.

01:28:40Just a good defensive battle.

01:28:43Italy challenging.

01:28:44Was there a block touch?

01:28:47Special shout out to Brisetti's run, by the way.

01:28:50And everyone just catching their breath on Italy's side.

01:28:54And there's nothing.

01:28:55No block touch.

01:29:04Serena Koga doing her usual work.

01:29:0715 points.

01:29:09Still a four-point Italy lead.

01:29:15Still good.

01:29:16And here it comes.

01:29:18Great dig.

01:29:20What can they do with it?

01:29:21They go against a big block again.

01:29:23It'll be Sela outside.

01:29:30Slowing it down.

01:29:32Oro.

01:29:34Goes to far.

01:29:38The call is out.

01:29:39And Italy just used a challenge.

01:29:41So the players are now asking for one.

01:29:43And coach is like, ah, no.

01:29:45And that one looked like it was clear over.

01:29:47But swing almost there.

01:29:48Just not high enough for her to get

01:29:50full extension on top of it.

01:29:56Agano.

01:29:57Hammer's down the line.

01:30:01And even one of the best liberos can't handle it

01:30:03because of how much power Paolo Agano brings

01:30:06in the perfect position to make a play.

01:30:08But it's just coming too fast.

01:30:13Fukudome touched it where most mere mortals

01:30:15wouldn't even do that.

01:30:16I would completely just run the other direction.

01:30:19Weren't you a libero?

01:30:20Yeah, I would still run the other direction.

01:30:23Back in that coffin corner.

01:30:25The best place to place a ball.

01:30:27He knows it.

01:30:29Good job from Inoue.

01:30:30Just providing a lot of stability for this team.

01:30:35Baby's loving it too.

01:30:37She's wondering what all the noise is about.

01:30:44Sela.

01:30:45It's a problem.

01:30:47Here's the free ball.

01:30:48Which way are you going to run?

01:30:51Still against that huge block.

01:30:54Bozzetti sends it long.

01:30:57Is Japan mounting a little bit of a comeback?

01:31:01All of a sudden, a string of Italian errors

01:31:04cracks that door open for Japan to come right back in it.

01:31:07You can't crack that door when it's Japan.

01:31:09The lead that was four is now cut to two.

01:31:18And then we'll end that story.

01:31:21And Japan playing not as clean as we saw during that last set.

01:31:25That's what got them the win over Italy.

01:31:27They've got to find a way to play a lot cleaner,

01:31:29but still keep the pressure on.

01:31:35Oh.

01:31:37Free ball.

01:31:38You got Paolo Agonu in the front court.

01:31:41You got Dainese eating it up.

01:31:46And it doesn't matter who you give that ball to,

01:31:48because it's almost automatically going to be one-on-one,

01:31:50whether it's Agonu on that quick set or Dainese.

01:31:53Just an easy put down off that free ball.

01:32:02Pass is perfect.

01:32:03Pass is perfect.

01:32:04But now we're seeing some breakdowns in communication by Japan.

01:32:07And every touch counts.

01:32:10Koga.

01:32:11Beam.

01:32:14She's up quickly.

01:32:15Sela's checking on her.

01:32:17Best bet, don't look at it, don't touch it, don't rub it,

01:32:19don't acknowledge it in any way.

01:32:20Yeah, just fix your hair.

01:32:21I'm fine, I'm fine.

01:32:22I swear, it really wasn't even that hard.

01:32:23Yeah.

01:32:24Just fix your hair.

01:32:25We're good.

01:32:26It wasn't that hard.

01:32:27106 kilometers an hour.

01:32:28It's totally fine.

01:32:29It's totally fine.

01:32:30I've seen worse from your team.

01:32:33I can't see.

01:32:35Okay.

01:32:45Okay, yeah.

01:32:46Yeah, yeah.

01:32:53Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.

01:32:54Okay.

01:32:56Go, go go go.

01:32:57Half time.

01:32:59Italy opens it up again a three-point run puts them five points ahead. This is

01:33:08the gold medal match. Are they going to try to close it out here? Can Japan stave

01:33:16them off? Every contact has to be really good for Japan.

01:33:22All of a sudden some lights went off in the venue causing this delay.

01:33:33I don't even know if Oro noticed she just wants to serve. Yeah exactly that's what I'm

01:33:43thinking.

01:33:45This is the ambassador from Japan.

01:33:56And a couple of American and Swiss execs I'll say. Finn Taylor the head of

01:34:05Volleyball World CEO and Jamie Davis from the American Volleyball Coaches

01:34:10Association. And of course Fernando Lima the chairman of Volleyball World.

01:34:26Again lights off in the arena just causing a bit of a delay. Somebody

01:34:33somewhere unplugged. It feels that way. Maybe we kicked something up here. Or

01:34:39plugged their blow-dryer in. That was me the other day. Yeah exactly.

01:34:46Okay we will listen to the official.

01:34:55Thank you.

01:34:59I didn't catch that. There's too much party going on. They couldn't hear him. All I heard was we'll be back soon.

01:35:11Which is pretty much all we needed to know. We also do know the lights are off

01:35:14assuming that has something to do with it.

01:35:20Well how could Japan use this break to their advantage? Well just a stall in

01:35:25momentum too. It kind of feels like coming out of long breaks. And there was light.

01:35:29And then there was light. Feels brighter than ever actually.

01:35:36Okay they unplugged their blow-dryer or whatever the issue was and we're ready

01:35:40to go. Bringing it back it has been. And now. Oh it's too bright. Yeah or I was saying

01:35:46heck I'm about to toss this ball in the air. And I'll be looking into some

01:35:51lights.

01:35:59Both sides got to stay warm after this.

01:36:04For Oro it's so tough when you're back there holding the ball at the service line.

01:36:08I just want to get up and wave. Give it back and just walk around. Yeah you know

01:36:14getting some approaches in there some drop steps.

01:36:21Well an unexpected delay. It looks like they've turned the lights down a little

01:36:31bit now. We're not seeing it so incredibly bright. There we go. And so

01:36:35we're ready to go. After delay Oro serves. Italy plus five. And that's what

01:36:46happens sometimes after a delay. Oh and that's tough. That's what you can't do

01:36:50when you're back there. You know you just have to hit your serve. Can't let

01:36:53the delay get to you. Iwasaki serving. Higano is in the front court. So is

01:37:08Sela. Big crack. It is a touch. Yahayashi admitting to that right away.

01:37:17Good swing from Sela. She's been going high hand this entire night. No need to

01:37:21change it. Barely clipping the fingertip.

01:37:27Sela one of the most prolific servers on Italy's side. I tried to tell you. Just a

01:37:35nasty serve. It looks like it's floating out. All of a sudden drops right in. Not

01:37:39even close to the end line. Well inside of it.

01:37:48Re-pass. Beautiful. Japan runs the middle. Teraraki.

01:37:57The good run for Japan doesn't often go to that middle. You see how fast it is.

01:38:02That makes it so effective.

01:38:06Higano. Too much heat. Just the way Higano can slice through any block. You give

01:38:17her just a little seam to hit. She's gonna finish that arm right through it.

01:38:22Normally blockers have time to set up with her because that set has to be

01:38:25higher because of how high she flies. She still goes around it or over it.

01:38:30Bringing that ball back. But it's no good. And Japan just staying in it. But five

01:38:39points is too big a lead. And this is where Japan needs a big run. They have to

01:38:43have some point scoring back there.

01:38:47Teraraki serve. Rosetti. Beautiful pass. Back again. Somehow Farr gets there.

01:39:10Her lateral movement is beautiful. But it's a Japanese point.

01:39:15Fargan all the way out. Just not finishing that block. Shoulders turned

01:39:19away from it. Floating the other way.

01:39:23Lucky again. Selah. Tight ball. Oh that's incredible.

01:39:38Ramada underneath it. Brave to run the middle against Farr. Even more brave to

01:39:49go outside. Koga. She's saying there was a touch. Japan will ask for a

01:39:56challenge. Oro took a hand to the face. Start early on in that rally. Grab her

01:40:03eye. Now receive some medical attention.

01:40:20The original call was Italy's way. Here you can see the Italian huddle as the

01:40:29physio is giving some attention to Oro. Lots of smiles. Oh she's got some ice.

01:40:37Those pictures afterwards if well whether they win gold or silver.

01:40:42Aren't going to look so good. She's got to make sure she's got it right side facing

01:40:45towards the camera. We got you girl.

01:40:52He's got a backhand from Farr it looked like. Yeah.

01:41:01Oh see that's the form that we're talking about. Yeah those are the ones

01:41:04that you never want to admit because it's so difficult to tell if it goes off

01:41:07your forearm. The finger is pretty easy but you never admit a forearm. Well you

01:41:12wouldn't. They shouldn't. They shouldn't. You wouldn't admit off your hand

01:41:18completely. Egano doing her usual magic. 24 total points.

01:41:30Koga. It's Doug. Zeland with a great dig. The set is off. Sliding out of nowhere

01:41:37Kojima.

01:41:42To the back line. Japan has to put it away here because otherwise Italy will

01:41:49come again. Tried to tell you. Italy you can't give it back to them. They will

01:41:54convert. Even a chaotic play on Italy's side. Players absolutely flying around

01:41:59the place. Japan just can't handle the heat. Farr easy pushover gets it done.

01:42:05Kind of a stand and deliver. She doesn't jump or anything. Leads back up to six.

01:42:11Powerful server. Ball is out. And this is when it's great to not have line judges

01:42:23but to have bolt six technology. I mean that has got to be so close. Egano

01:42:28going for that back corner. Oh my gosh. And then drama. I love it.

01:42:41They're continuing to press Sela with the serve.

01:42:50Antropova to Doug. Leading pass by Sela back to Antropova. Doug again.

01:42:59Fukudome. Third swing for Antropova. Are they able to frustrate her?

01:43:10She's gonna go back this time. Japan just simply outlasts. They're the gnat.

01:43:17That's what they do against opponents. They frustrate you so bad. You can have

01:43:22swing after swing but you have to be ready for five, six swings in a rally

01:43:25before you can put it down. Because that's how many times they're digging you.

01:43:30There's this incredulity when you see that ball come back again.

01:43:35Bozzetti passing very well. Ball dances along the net and out. Italy back up to

01:43:46plus five. If a Japan push is coming this is when it has to happen.

01:43:51Absolutely. Italy closing in on a potential gold medal.

01:43:58Uh-oh. Tap down. Antropova behind it. That's what two meters two will get you.

01:44:08Just taking complete control. This looked almost clear over her head. She just

01:44:12reached for it at the last second. Easy tap down in front of the three meter line.

01:44:16Flying it out of the backcourt. Excellent dig. Antropova again.

01:44:27Kojima with a dig. High hand. Koga starting to work her magic.

01:44:35Koga time and time again going to that high hand shot. It's worked for her all

01:44:39night long. Seeing where that block is even against some of the biggest

01:44:43blockers in the world. Finding a way to make it work.

01:44:48And that's what you can't do. And Japan a little bit too high error in the set.

01:45:00So low error set three. They're gonna come back. They got to keep the ball in

01:45:05play. Yeah three serve errors by Koga. It's tough. This Italian team won gold in

01:45:11Volleyball Nations League in 2022. They did not have Eganu last year. And they

01:45:18are just a few points away from capturing gold again. And since this

01:45:23team got Eganu back, I mean they have not looked back in week two. They've done a

01:45:27great job just rolling through opponents. Taking control up at the net.

01:45:31Especially this finals. Incredible work.

01:45:42Serve is good. Carlotta can be. Set. What a difference maker Antropova is. Call her

01:45:51name. She'll be there. I mean she's been that for this Italian team. Yes we talked

01:45:55about how good Eganu is. But Antropova, she's a top 12 scorer. She's done a

01:45:59phenomenal job when she was in week one. Just racking up points left and right. A

01:46:03few huge games. Yeah we saw this for Turkey. And they moved Karakurt to the

01:46:09left to make room for Vargas. I wonder how Antropova would be out there.

01:46:19Yeah that's not gonna work. Siela's saying hey she wasn't able to play. But

01:46:24there's a player over there. Just get a little aggressive on that play. We'll see

01:46:32that reach over.

01:46:38Yeah that's off Eganu.

01:46:43Oro and Eganu back in.

01:46:49Great pass. Feed the Beast. You might regret that swing.

01:47:05Pushing it down. It's still alive. No. Japan point.

01:47:13Japan staying with it. Keeping the pressure on Italy. Forcing them to call

01:47:21a timeout. Down four.

01:48:12Now. Outside to Siela. Kikudome puts up a perfect pass.

01:48:24Over Dagan. Japan chip chip chipping away there within three. The fight in this

01:48:33Japan team. We saw they were down 2-0. Didn't quit. Came back in set three. Can

01:48:38they do it again? Only down three at this point. We have not said Wada's name

01:48:43recently. She is on the right side up front. Passes there. What a dig. An

01:48:53incredible dig. Here it comes. Oh. Communication error. Oro goes back.

01:48:59Eganu. And she's just too much to handle. When Italy's looking to close out set

01:49:07two. Watch for them to go to Eganu time and time again. She just racks up points

01:49:11left and right. It's been so successful tonight already.

01:49:23The margin is four points.

01:49:27Wada. Now we get to say her name. Wada coming back in. Been a difference maker every time

01:49:38she's checked back into the game. She's not afraid to take the big swings and

01:49:42the big moments. And this is one where she's gonna have to do it time and time

01:49:44again to chip away. Indeed she is because we can expect Italy to set their player

01:49:50who takes big swings and big moments. Eganu is front court.

01:49:58Great pass. Eganu.

01:50:03Just keep running that way.

01:50:07Eganu coming for heads on some of these swings. We've seen her rip this line

01:50:12shot. A beautiful set by Oro to get it all the way out. Man that's perfect.

01:50:17Outside the block but inside the Libro. Tricky.

01:50:22Great job. Back again.

01:50:28Second consecutive for Eganu.

01:50:32Eganu closing in on a 30-point match. Just an incredible job. She knows this

01:50:39ball's going to her. Everyone does. Two blockers up gets it done.

01:50:45Block. Picked up. Kojima. They're gonna go back again against that big block.

01:50:50Yeah I'm judging. Here it is. Eganu.

01:50:55Free ball to Japan. Got Wada behind. Koga outside. They go to Wada.

01:51:04And Wada swings.

01:51:07Much smarter decision on Japan's side. Avoid the big block up front. Keep

01:51:12feeding Wada on the right.

01:51:25Eide serving for Japan.

01:51:29That was good. Perfect pass.

01:51:33Uh-oh.

01:51:36Koga over her head. There is no Japanese Libro on the floor.

01:51:46That is a beautiful power tip to put Italy at match point.

01:51:55Gold medal point.

01:52:04Paola Urano serving for gold.

01:52:09She wanted that one.

01:52:12She sure did. She was the 2022 MVP of Volleyball Nations League.

01:52:20Set point, match point, championship point number two for Italy.

01:52:30Pass is great. Middle is good.

01:52:34Kodome puts up a hit of a ball. But it's a huge block.

01:52:37And it's fitted. Italy wins gold.

01:52:49Italy elated. Wins gold.

01:53:20For the second time in three years, Emily.

01:53:23So impressive for this team.

01:53:26When they got Paola Urano back week two, they never looked back.

01:53:29They have now swept their last eight of 11, or seven of 11 opponents.

01:53:34They did a phenomenal job just taking control really early on in matches

01:53:38and not looking back. Kudos to Japan for the fight in the third set.

【FULL MATCH】 Japan W vs. Italy W | Final - Volleyball Women's VNL 2024

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