VNL 2025: Italy Hands Japan First Loss in Five-Set Epic

June 21, 2025

On June 20, in the second match of the day during Week 2 Pool 5 in Hong Kong, Italy triumphed over Japan in a thrilling five-set battle (25-23, 16-25, 25-15, 20-25, 19-17). The victory extended Italy’s winning streak to seven matches, while Japan suffered their first defeat of the VNL campaign after five consecutive wins. Japanese outside hitter Wada was the top scorer, contributing 28 points in a stellar performance for her team.

Post-Match Reactions from Italy

Our journalist interviewed Italian outside hitter Paola Egonu, who described the match as tough, crediting Japan’s excellent defense and tactical play. She expressed her excitement at securing the hard-fought victory, calling it “amazing to win at the end.”

Italian head coach Julio Velasco also spoke with our journalist, praising his team’s performance against a strong Japanese side. He highlighted Japan’s exceptional defense, powerful serves, and effective attacks, noting that defeating such a well-rounded team was significant for Italy. Velasco emphasized the importance of playing challenging matches, explaining that winning tough games is vital for the team’s growth and helps avoid complacency.

When asked about the keys to the win, Velasco pointed to Italy’s defensive efforts and their quick-tempo offensive strategy. He explained that their fast middle attacks made it harder for Japan to block and defend, which proved crucial in securing the victory.

Italian outside hitter Alice Carlotta Degradi reflected on the team’s resilience, saying they played well in what was a tough game. She noted Japan’s relentless defense and powerful spikes, adding that patience and hard work in defense were essential elements of their win.

Team captain Anna Danesi acknowledged Japan’s fast-paced play and strong defense, which made the match challenging. She praised her team for staying focused and executing their blocking strategy effectively. Regarding Italy’s overall performance this week, Danesi said the team is happy with their success and is preparing for another tough match against China, aiming to maintain their energy and focus.

Post-Match Reactions from Japan

Our journalist also spoke with Japanese setter Nanami Seki, who expressed her disappointment with the loss but emphasized the valuable lessons learned from the match. Looking ahead, Seki said the team hopes to correct their mistakes and give their best effort in the remaining two games of the week.