Italy survives a Massive Scare against Japan to Claim their Semi-Final Spot

The European volleyball powerhouse, Italy survived three match points in set three to come back and win one of the best matches we've seen at the Paris Olympics leaving Japan and its fans in tears.

The first two sets were all about Japan being in control and surprising Italy with their persistence and blistering pace. Superstars Ran Takahashi (16 pts), Yuji Nishida (22 pts) and captain Yūki Ishikawa (32 pts) were really up for it and pushing the team forward, backed by the Libero, Yamamoto who seemed to be digging everything thrown at him. 

Two sets up and three match points in their pocket, yet Japan blinked and allowed the Italians to slowly but surely get back into it. A failed attempt at getting a block out from Ishikawa, several unconvincing attack plays and Italy was right back in it, claiming the third set for themselves.

The Italians started to grow in confidence and getting most of their balls on the court but Japan was never too far behind in performance. With almost all Italian players having a double digits point tally, we could see why it became harder for Japan to see where the threat was coming from. However, it was yet again Michieletto (24 pts) that seemed to be the main driver for his team, seconded by Lavia (19 pts) and Romano (19 pts), getting the fourth set and eventually a very tight win in the tie-break. 

Up next for Italy is a semi-final battle against the winner of the France vs Germany quarter-final. Check out the schedule right HERE.