Italy and Japan storm into semifinals after dominant and dramatic victories

In a thrilling day of volleyball at the Women’s World Championship in Bangkok, Italy showcased their dominance with a clean sweep over Poland, while Japan battled through a five-set thriller to outlast the Netherlands. With these wins, both teams punched their tickets to the semifinals.

The Netherlands - Japan 2-3 (25-20, 20-25, 25-22, 22-25, 12-15)

The match was a rollercoaster: the Netherlands twice took the lead, but Japan fought back to force a decider. Despite leading by three points in the tie-break, the Netherlands faltered as Japan mounted a spirited comeback—capped off by a match‑winning smash from captain Mayu Ishikawa to seal a 3–2 victory.

Japan’s offensive firepower was decisive: their attackers tallied 75 points versus 61 from the Dutch. Opposite Yukiko Wada led with 27 points, including four aces, while Ishikawa added 25 (seven in the decider, including two kill‑blocks and an ace). Yoshino Sato contributed 13 (all spikes), and middle blocker Airi Miyabe chipped in 10 points with two aces and a block.

The Netherlands excelled in blocks, outmatching Japan 11 to 3, with Eline Timmerman contributing six of those, plus two aces and a strong hitting percentage to reach 18 points. Elles Dambrink led in scoring with 19 attack points, supported by 13 from Marrit Jasper and 12 each from Nika Daalderop and middle Britte Stuut. 

It’s Japan’s first semifinal appearance since the bronze on home soil in 2010. Their next opponent will be determined by the quarterfinal matchup between the USA and Türkiye.

Italy - Poland 3-0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-18)

Italy coach Julio Velasco stuck with the same starting lineup: Orro (setter), Egonu (opposite), Sylla and Nervini (outside hitters), Danesi and Fahr (middle blockers), and De Gennaro (libero). Poland started with Wenerska-Stysiak as the setter-opposite duo, Gryka and Korneluk in the middle, Lukasik and Damaske on the wings, and Szczyglowska as libero.

Italy dominated early with solid reception, sharp attacks, and a strong block. Orro efficiently set the pace, orchestrating contributions from Egonu, Sylla, Nervini, Fahr, and Danesi. Poland struggled to respond, with Damaske briefly pushing back before Italy pulled away to take the first set 25–17.

The second set began evenly, with Stysiak and Lukasik pushing Poland ahead 14–13, prompting a timeout from Velasco. Italy responded with a block from Fahr and capitalized on Polish errors to regain the lead. A strong run from Danesi, Sylla, and Egonu closed the set 25–21.

Italy remained in control in the third. Egonu and Sylla led the attack, while De Gennaro’s key defensive plays sparked further momentum. Poland, unable to stop the Italian rhythm, fell behind 15–9. A double substitution and Giovannini’s solid entry helped seal the win at 25–18.

The Azzurre will return to the court on September 6 to face the winner of the Brazil–France quarterfinal scheduled for September 4.