Japan beats Italy in straight sets for first win of FIVB Grand Prix final round

(BEIJING, July 11) -- Japan defeated World No. 2 Italy 25-23, 25-22, 26-24 on July 11 to earn their first win of the final round of the FIVB World Grand Prix in Yokohama, Japan and improve their record to 1-2. The hosts are now in fourth place, behind the USA, who have the same record, and Cuba and Brazil, who are undefeated.

Japan began pushing ahead after the first TTO in the first set, holding five-point leads at 16-11 and 24-19. The resilient Italians fended off four set points before finally losing the set 23-25.

The struggles continued for the Italians in the second, while Japan maintained its strong attack. Service errors by the Italians widened Japan's lead to seven midway through the set and though Italy was able to close the gap, Japan held on for a 25-22 win.

The third set was full of furious action as Japan saw an opportunity for an upset and the Italians struggled to prolong the match. Italian head coach Massimo Barbolini called a timeout with his team up 22-21, but Japan, spurred on by an ecstatic home crowd, kept their form and won the set 26-24, clinching the match.

"I want to say congratulations to Japan. Japan played a good game today," said Italian captain Eleonora Lo Bianco. "We could not achieve the level of Japan. I feel patience is very important, and we could not display our ability today."

Japan and Italy are now both 1-2 in the final round of the Grand Prix, along with the USA. Japan plays winless China on Saturday, while Italy will face the USA. The Grand Prix concludes on Sunday.