Italy shored up its playoff hopes after a come-from-behind 23-25, 25-20, 25-15, and 25-21 win over Brazil in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) men’s volleyball tournament Week 3 on Tuesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Spiker Yuri Romano led the way with 20 points, on 16 attacks and four service aces as the Italians bounced back after their tough 25-19, 28-26, 18-25, 25-20 loss to world No. 1 Poland last week in the Netherlands to improve to a 6-3 slate and boost their chances for a top 8 finish.
Alessandro Michieletto chipped in 17 points, Gianluca Galassi towered with 12 points on four blocks, and Daniele Lavia added 10 points in a scattered attack for world No. 4 Italy.
The Italians unleashed a searing 6-2 closeout in the fourth set, highlighted by Lavia’s ace, to break free from a 19-all deadlock and cap a thrilling reversal in front of sizable, enthusiastic Filipino fans.
“We’re very happy for this win. We need this in the standings. After losing the first set, we played well and won the next three. We’re very happy. It’s very important for our qualification,” said Romano.
Henrique Dantas Nobrega Honorato paced the 2021 champions with 15 points, while Ricardo Lucarelli Souza and Flavio Resende Gualberto had 11 and 10 points, respectively, for Brazil.
Only the top eight teams will qualify for the final round of the VNL from July 19 to 24 in Poland.
