On August 11, Italy achieved a remarkable victory by defeating the defending champion US team in women’s volleyball at the Paris Olympics. The Italian team won decisively in straight sets: 25-18, 25-20, and 25-17. This win marks Italy’s first Olympic medal in women’s volleyball and is a significant achievement for the top-ranked team, who previously had a best finish of fifth place.
The triumph is particularly sweet for Italy as they navigated the tournament with impressive performance, losing only one set throughout. Meanwhile, the US team, who had celebrated their first Olympic title in Tokyo, faced disappointment in this year’s final.
Italy Wins Over US to Win Women’s Volleyball
Italy won the gold medal in women’s volleyball at the Paris Olympics 2024 on Sunday, defeating the United States with a score of 3-0.
Italy entered the Olympics as the champions of the Volleyball Nations League. They played exceptionally well throughout the tournament, winning all their matches except for one set in the preliminary rounds. They did not lose any sets in the knockout stages.
Paola Egonu was the standout player. The 25-year-old athlete scored 22 points and made four important blocks during the final match.
The U.S. team, known for their strong performance in previous Olympics, won the silver medal this year. This added to their impressive total of seven Olympic medals in women’s volleyball, which is the most by any country.
In the bronze medal match on Saturday, Brazil defeated Turkey 3-1. This win meant that Turkey did not get their first Olympic medal in women’s volleyball, while Brazil took home the bronze.
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Italian Team Celebrates Victory
Italy secured a thrilling victory in front of an enthusiastic crowd at South Paris Arena, where fans waved Italian and US flags, danced, and cheered. The Italian team celebrated their decisive win with exuberance.
As Italy scored the final point, players collapsed on the court before joining in a jubilant group hug. They even lifted veteran Monica De Gennaro, a 37-year-old four-time Olympian, into the air.
During the match, the US led 6-5 in the third set, but Italy surged ahead by scoring the next seven points to gain a 12-6 lead. The Americans rallied, managing to score three out of the following four points.
Italy secured the win with a decisive 6-1 run, finishing the match with Paola Egonu scoring 22 points. The US, despite a close battle and narrowing the gap to 19-16, ultimately finished with the silver medal. This marked their seventh Olympic medal, making them the most decorated country in the sport.
Italy, who advanced to the final by sweeping Turkey in straight sets, faced the US, who earned their place after a thrilling five-set victory over Brazil.
US coach Karch Kiraly made significant changes to the lineup after a five-set loss to China on July 29. He substituted veterans Jordan Larson and Kelsey Robinson Cook with Avery Skinner and Kathryn Plummer. This adjustment led to a victory over Serbia, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the dominant Italian team and secure a repeat championship.
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Italy Wins Over US to Win Women’s Volleyball FAQs
Q.1. What was the final score of the women’s volleyball match between Italy and the US?
Ans. Italy won 3-0 with set scores of 25-18, 25-20, and 25-17.
Q.2. How did Italy perform throughout the tournament?
Ans. Italy performed exceptionally, winning all matches except for one set in the preliminary rounds and not losing any sets in the knockout stages.
Q.3. Who was the standout player for Italy in the final?
Ans. Paola Egonu was the standout player, scoring 22 points and making four key blocks in the final.
Q.4. What was the US team’s final standing in the tournament?
Ans. The US team finished with the silver medal, adding to their total of seven Olympic medals in women’s volleyball.
Q.5. How did Brazil fare in the bronze medal match?
Ans. Brazil defeated Turkey 3-1 in the bronze medal match, earning the bronze medal in women’s volleyball.
