[Music] well the real statement of intent there from Yuki isikawa a Japanese captain now on odira with that float service into mikto and the Dig early chance for a break point then isikawa recycles and for once Japan get caught out on the floor yeah that was interesting kind of an uncharacteristic miscommunication there because a really Savvy play from mikawa to just roll that into the block and then and just Takahashi just barely misses it off the forearm two points against serve to begin with then mikto isikawa now Japan recycle that is that left hand of Yuri Romano those little momentum swings will be interesting to pay attention to as this match progresses as well because that little misstep from Japan and then an immediate break point from Italy on the back of it couple Point swing there perhaps and it keeps mikto at the service line too oh he drops the hammer a serve on Takahashi so difficult when the lefties get out there give you that left to right slider right here we get a great look at it he just curving a different direction than you're accustomed to Takahashi bobbing up and down on the spot here trying to stay loose cuz he thinks this one is coming straight back to him which it is and that's a better attouch oh Mia Ora finds the line wide open it did not seem like there was a lot of line available for him Lavia doing a nice job but man F was just that slight Runway down the line maso [Applause] sikita drops that one in shorter over pass good good night Yuki isi great friend of mine Chris McGee who does a lot of broadcasting for the ABP and for now the Lakers likes to say yatsi on a ball like that what a start Japan three Italy three teita into mikto lovely dig great work Yamamoto ketto puts those long arms to good use off one hand then the other oh Yamamoto superb from the libero now it's time for the block to go to work and they've won the point cuz mikto has put one of his big feet on the line and Yamamoto celebrates and rightfully so how about the plays there from Yamamoto to just keep that alive great dig on the first hard swing great chase down right there Japan gets rewarded that's why got a Chase every ball cuz you never know sakita oh and then Russo big net touch and Romano tells him to calm down there's this yeah not I'm not sure what he's pointing at there he thought maybe Japan were into the net but clearly he kind of clubbed it yeah on the throw down attempt so we've had break points both ways and Japan 53 up nicely done by laia the tip to Mia Ora oh is that dropped Jess wide isikawa has started strong that is a phenomenal swing right there because that Italian block is set up perfectly and he just goes across his body take a look right here he's going to go hard just off the right hand of Romano we have a first time [Music] [Applause] out we don't see seesaw scoring like that in many Elite men's games do we three points for Italy then four in a row for japany an unexpected game of runs here early in set number one maybe a few nerves for both of these teams we talked about how the motivation is going to be level but kind of for different reasons right Italy used to winning they feel like they want to get on the metal board in the vnl Japan certainly want to do the same sikita into mikto Lavia pushes that back courau Yamamoto M Ora oh drops that into open court and he loves [Applause] master class right there again the Italian block set up perfectly thre man knowing it's going right that direction and he just takes a little bit off drops in front of Micky elto position six great service run by sikita this time he picks on Russo good finish from the big man nice example there though you mentioned the service run from sakita it's not like he brought anything crazy hard but he mixed it up he forced Italy to earn their side out they eventually do there but Japan able to get a little Headway there on the back of some great serving fromo here's [Music] Russo four service Aces so far in the playoffs for him three against Argentina one against USA yesterday three-point game here shawa feeds it in gets it back and puts it down lvia mat expecting that one you can see him kind of get sucked into the middle oopsy wide open net for isikawa going to be a point for Japan almost always he's in the mood today isn't he we can tell already oh good service wow not finished though chance for Italy great dig though sikita R Takahashi oh he's missed the chance and that is a chance after that service big chance for Japan there barely missed man I love that shot from Takahashi he just ever so slightly overturns it there Romano doesn't make a men's run now l yeah the libero oh will not be beaten but that is another mistake from Japan Yamamoto working his socks off though back of the court that was interesting a great touch from Yamamoto just to keep that alive but it kind of got on sakita quickly couldn't quite get the power on it and onodera just or excuse me Yami just lost sight of it for a second Yamamoto again M Ora tries to play the same shot again doesn't work this time and Romano leaves one [Music] short he had a little bit of a rough night yesterday you have to credit the USA block of course for some big stuffs but they were able to neutralize him he's going to need to heat up a little bit if ital if Italy are hoping to be successful here Yami looks that one into Lavia another good block touch sikita and this time ran does Make It Count that's the Rhythm Japan are looking for yet another great soft block touch and they seem to be so good not a tremendous amount of stuff blocks but they slow the ball down give their block their Defenders a chance and their transition offense is superb that one just dies over the net so laia has work to do lovely Touch by sakita Mur blocked big two touch off Mia Ora good aggressive swing but after this great pancake dig right here s we'll see mura has got to deal with a perfectly formed three-man Italian block gasi just closes itora up high fed in then by balaso mik eletto he can't do the business oh that's just shy of the Jumbotron then saved here we go game on Mia Ora off the block but that has come off so hot fortunately that goes Japan's way because that did not go outside the antenna that's a little bit of a miss right there there's no way that ball from that angle goes outside the antenna Japan wisely plays on gets the point anyways [Music] [Applause] the aura oh let's fly what an ace Kia Ora with a fireball just like we saw from Micky elto a few moments ago that left to right curve off the Lefty so difficult to deal with Lavia just glances off the left arm there time out 127 for [Music] [Applause] well that is both of Italy's timeouts called and they have called it at the first opportunity after the 11 point mark they're 127 down they lost the period between the first and second time out six points to four and Keno Mia AA is getting ready to unload he does it again he's gone back to back phenomenal serving from Keno miora hey he's like Drake out there he's going back to back and look at that slider I mean just tracks away from balaso and into mikto at the last minute all he can do is throw an arm at it are we in for a three Pat we are not this time but then there's a handling error called a two touch against Yuri romano and it is unraveling very very quickly here for the Italians this is the fascinating thing about sport the first time we saw Italy here in Gans they looked Untouchable the US able to completely neutralize them and they still seem to be a bit reeling out there better from balaso and off the hands goes yorri Romano look I'm not scared to to divulge some of the conversations that we've had after Argentina we maybe got a little bit Giddy and we were talking about them being European Champions World Champions vnl champions and Olympic Champions all at the same time time because that Argentina performance was phenomenal but teams are getting to them as galassi puts in a heavy serve run mikto with that first touch what a dig by Yamamoto world class and ran Takahashi can't finish it Lavia is there only the tip from Lavia though Ishikawa in with a set run oh blocked and the Dig from onad and then meora and isikawa getting a little bit confused with what's going on and that's backto back points for the Italians that's interesting uh that seems to be perhaps the one weakness in the Japanese defensive system is if the setter sakita is not taking that ball it's not clear who's going to step in and set good pass from isikawa R knew exactly what he was doing there using Russo the Precision on that set from sakita is so amazing he gets his attackers high and quick and close to the net so that they have those options they can tee off if the Block's not there they can work it off the block if the block is there Takashi Ishikawa so Adept at doing just that here is ran Takahashi had a great service run in the first in the semi-final yesterday but mik eletto puts pay to it this time Clinic Co and that's a nice swing right there from MTO he went High over the block into the angle on his last swing but Yamamoto scooped it all day and so he said I'm just going to go right over the top with Sita into kind of the one six Seam for the winner yeah he spots that mismatch doesn't he standing out there in the equality Jersey that he's wearing for the first set of this bronze medal match Yamamoto with another excellent touch Ishikawa off one off two Japan up to 16 and there again you see that wonderful set from sakita all the way from 14 15t off the net he'll zip this in high and close for Ishikawa to just abuse the top of that Italian block on Oda oh flat service well dealt with by mky elto and he's doing a great job of staying high with his swings as well great pass also so we heard Coach Philip Blaine talk about wanting his middle blockers to drive those float serves flat yesterday they seem to be doing that well thus far in this match five-point game though Japan in the ascendant C and mikto looking to put something together well done run or not off the floor it's gone and that is an a service let's have a look here kind of seemed like he got some fingertip on it oh yeah that's I don't know if it catches any of your finger I thought it was good but that was a good effort but a good service too smart play from mikto goes heavier this time oh doesn't pick up the ace though and Ry offers up the free ball great serving here from mikto and great swinging from Yori [Applause] Romano MTO almost kind of singlehandedly dragging his Squad back into this set well they brought in otsuka tatsunori into the passing unit he played against Italy in the group stages picked up 14 points all from kills but he's looking to relieve ran Takahashi is being picked on and we'll put that down as great coaching yeah sometimes that's all the purpose of the substitute is is to throw off the rhythm of the server because it's not like you don't want Takahashi out on the floor but you got got to do something to cool off Mickey Alto a little bit well they're going to leave tutson out there for now and then Roberto Russo is going to come in on the short ball and make it a three-point game that was very close from Yami watch him stick that right hand at it last second Russo just barely able to sneak that underneath here is Russo Yamamoto feeds it in first swing of the game for tatsunori another chance for Japan oh massive block Yuri Romano oh this great stuff from Russo out on the pin just closing all the way to the antenna almost has to dodge it on his way by great work Italy go he gets high doesn't he serious danger catching one right in the kisser great recovery Yamauchi that's what we have become accustomed to seeing out of the Japanese middle blockers high right into the Gap perfectly just cross the body for the winner now Ishikawa at 1815 side outs will do it from here on in for Japan janelli going quick but they can't beat Yamamoto tatsunori going to go the other way Mur Hang Time [Music] immense how about tatsunori just coming in taking some good Cuts right out of the gate not an easy position for him to come in and I love that sakita is just trusting him as well Mio with a great swing into the crosscourt there for the winner though isawa another good service but well dealt with oh Micky elto doesn't finish the pipe and when you don't finish it that's the danger Yamauchi yeah that is just phenomenal stuff right there one-on-one against MTO in the pipe gets an amazing touch we saw him get close on Russo just a moment ago and gets the winner as well 2015 isikawa at the service line drops that one into aletto and no stopping Romano from there good swing High into the corner from Romano but I love that isikawa just takes a little bit off maybe trying to go with that short one got it a little long but in any event kept it in made Italy earn that side out Romano oh overpass from Yamamoto that's a collector item but then sikita gets a touch here's the bump set mura off the hands one two oh and it's over brilliant from Japan there's the jump set Lavia sakita tatsunori [Applause] unbelievable are you kidding me Dave not known as a football nation but they showed some skills there Japan keeping it alive at all costs well one point summing up the spirit of Japanese volleyball in this season's Vienna now absolutely [Music] incredible and tatsunori coming up with yet another big swing on the outside Off the Bench for Japan Yamauchi drives that one into mikto oh heavy hands from Romano great swing and he's starting to warm up a little bit which is good news for Italy well they need to score heavy from here on in because Japan are four points away and the Gap is four points so they need to go two to one just to force us to extra points Yamamoto tatsunori touch there by balaso that looked like he spent a little while in mto's hand more slam dunk than slam dink trying to show his teammates that that got heel of the hand I'm not so sure that's accurate but it'll go down anyways yeah little bit of a highlight whip three-point game M Ora two point fourpoint game sorry he comes in hot that is a big aggressive swing right there great set from sakita mura we see him go so precisely down the line so often it just opens up that angle nicely for him great swing top scorer in the game five attack points two a serves balaso MTO that was a phenomenal set from balaso he kind of staggered around just a little bit but regained his footing and put up an absolute gem mikto trying to stay high just a little too high on that one kto Ora will this be the decisive service run oh it might oh my goodness what a service from Kento Mia AA unbelievable I mean he's just in stunning Rhythm right now from the service line little scut on that too little flat wobble set point M AA he's won it with an ace his fourth Ace in in the first set he has dismantled Italy from the Baseline and Japan have taken the open at 258 such impressive stuff from Japan right there because just when Italy looked like they were climbing back starting to generate a little bit of momentum Japan fought them offense H not so fast my friends Japan 25 Italy 18 Japan two sets away from the podium and Ken omia AA absolutely astonishing those four service points there all from that man two for Italy but it was two service runs at really key stages of the set that that took it away from the Italians from Mi wasn't it indeed yeah miora had one sakita had a good run early as well to kind of set the stage get open up that lead early for Japan as we take a look at some of the best bits I mean Italy had their moments though we see mikto here and the big challenge for Japan is being able to maintain this though isn't it we saw yesterday against Poland phenomenal in the first set excellent in the second set we just know sorry Italy are going to come back at some point uh indeed yeah it is difficult to maintain that fervor throughout right basically everything went perfectly for Japan in that first set we saw happen against Poland yesterday we talked about that great second set they got involved in with Poland but how will Italy respond can Japan keep that level high as we see the service percentage here so 2179 let's make it more realistic in a in a 25o set that's 20 in five out and then Japan not a single service era when was the last time you saw that in an elite volleyball game that is absolutely astonishing well certainly not when you have the likes of isawa unloading on his serve mura unloading on his serve tahashi going after it and the middle blockers really driving those flat float serves in there with perfection as well it's very unlikely that that level continues for Japan but if they can maintain the pressure even at 10 15% errors they're going to make it very difficult on Italy here we always talk about service pressure particularly in the men's game I don't think uh you can apply much more pressure than serving at 100% but also serving four aces in that time as well cuz you know you can Dolly it up over the net but against a team like Italy it is going to come back with interest um this is this is a tough game for the Italians now because that is four consecutive sets they've lost and four consecutive sets they've been outclass in really yeah indeed but I think what you have to kind of tell yourself if if you're the Italians is just like we said very unlikely Japan's going to serve at 100% efficiency again so let's just stay the course let's just do what we know we can do we know we're capable of the performance we saw against Argentina so let's just get back to it one play at a time play Italian volleyball and trust that it's going to be enough in this match tatsunori gets us underway in the second set serves to his opposite number number and mikto opens with a nice clean side out interesting that it is tatsunori who is on court at start of the second not foran Takahashi now janelli to serve into tatsunori isikawa that beats the backourt man laia back in his blue jersey one1 I love the little change of Rhythm right there from isikawa kind of the hang and bang takes that extra second finds that seam flat H thought we were going to have our first service era then lovely roll shot Yori Romano with a delightful touch that is classy right there little flavor of the beach from Romano Chip Shot over the top not easy to put the soft stuff down on Japan it's not easy to put the hard stuff down on Japan mikto after the first break point of the second set puts that on tatsunori isikawa Good Touch Gianelli Lavia off the hands tatori feeds the seter and Ishikawa does the rest yeah indeed perfect pass from tatsunori in transition is going to set up that Japanese transition offense and when they can run that pace we've seen their quick hitters be so good in the Gap you just have to guess and Ishikawa alone on the pin is going to be a winner for Japan a lot Zita mikto receives high off the hands and tatori is there is recycles it Japan do a little bit better this time mura shut down by Russo couple really good passes in transition again but just a great move from Russo right here it's a little bit fortunate that hits M Ur on the way out right in the chin little chin music good service isikawa deals with it oh another block that's more like it from the big blue wall gassi getting in on the action there still trust in totson Ori quite a bit out there Japan he's been pretty good for [Music] them that was lvia excuse me isikawa with the pass again three in a row huge from galassi one onone and back comes ran Takahashi that is the race run for now for tatsunori what a block yeah that's just a great read great move from galasi good stability from the Italian middle blocker it's a good run now three points three blocks in a row and again the pipe doesn't work for Japan but they'll have the chance to go again and isikawa is there a touch no [Music] what a start for Italy forcing Japan to the time out with a four-point lead Italy six Japan [Music] two you have [Music] [Music] so Yamauchi serving there beautiful camera work I mean watching the movement of the ankles there I'm surprised we don't have more injuries cuz your feet do crazy things you players wow yeah the super slowmo really uh highlights the wonders of the human body because it does look like you're on the verge of your legs exploding at any given moment that is more like it from Ishikawa what an angle on the right side yeah rare Miss from him on the swing before but that is perfection and here he is at the service line there it is nothing lasts forever far off though was it good lead for Italy now but lots of volleyball to be played in this second set Romano just long just long I like those hold your breath moments where the close ones everyone looks at the up official to get the where are the dots going to show up Yami puts that one into lvia try and go quick to the middle another good block Touch by Japan Third Time Lucky and it's Romano impressive how many touches these Japanese blockers are getting on these Italian attacks though what I like about that one is janelli checking to see the two attackers in front of him trying to fix the Japanese middle and then send sending it out the back always playing the Mind Games laia missing right there next time we get janelli on the closeup I'm going to give you a comparison see what you think okay here's M Ora off that net tape that is the pipe attack and it's clean as a whistle from laia right so here he is he's got rid of the goatee hasn't he jelli and I think he's got the bone structure of a young Freddy Mercury young Freddy Mercury a little bit better uh Grill you know Dental Works just slightly better oh my goodness Takahashi going over the top right there of the big blue wall as you say see if we get another look at that one well he's back on cord he's obviously recharged The Springs in his heels cuz that was huge 69 what can he put together from the Baseline here he's gone short and baso equal to it and Gianelli does what a giant seta can do particularly one with his hand eye coordination yeah there's been a couple instances already I was kind of expecting it from him always a threat right there at gnell no Blocker in place as well never ignore this man he's gifted one straight back the Italian Captain yeah definitely penitential work which makes me wonder at some point are we going to see the big mustache you want the tight jeans and the leather vest probably of course of course or Russo can't quite get on top of it what a swing set by Ishikawa run by Takahashi that is one of the more difficult swings in volleyball right there when all three blockers know this pipe's coming you're in the middle so your angles are minimized but he finds that gap between MKTO and Russo two-point game Japan of half the deficit got another block touch oh wow Russo doing damage [Music] that's one of the few balls Italy have managed to kill cleanly in this match speed kills and that was fast now Miki eletto capable of chaos not this time though level from the Baseline dropping off a little bit for Italy couple into the net yeah they're going to need to keep that up as Japan is kind of chipping away here seita taken early by Russo Lavia net Touch by Lavia there have been a couple of those attacking net touches we're not used to them from the Italians we talked about how high and tight the Japanese take their sets not quite the same thing on the Italian side they like a little bit more space and that one gets a little close lvia following through into the T onepoint game oh well played Gianelli but now the chance for Japan M Ora with the first touch Yamauchi with the third and it is 111 unbelievable stuff from Japan here timeout called by Italy the last chance to call their first timeout so a great time to take it especially with the scores tied [Music] [Applause] [Applause] there he is Young Freddy but he has got some work to do because the first time out was called of Italy 6 Japan 2 now we're at 1111 so that's a 95 run in favor of the Japanese as sakita gets us back underway and he picks on mikto and then Lavia sides out and Italy back ahead that's a great swing down the line right there but it is so impressive how Saka just mixes up his serve to keep Italy out of rhythm offensively Russo float service into Yamamoto great challenge for the ball Lavia wins that one and then the touch by Russo oh unbelievable control on the set but even Yamamoto can't get to that one I feel like if he'd had more momentum he might have supermanned it but uh this was a great contest though and really good strength there by Lavia yeah to keep that second push in play unbelievable stuff Lavia we saw on that replay there there are actually two levels for him to get through there's those heavy video boards then there's another layer of fencing and it's got the scrim over the top so that is some pretty heavy metal if you going to take that on service out from isawa so two-point game now good response since the timeout by Italy they picked up another break [Music] point Romano Yamamoto M brilliant by balaso it's going to be a free ball and they've got another chance here especially the way they've been blocking run really smart so good and again I love the closeness to the net of that set it really gives him this option to take a good look at the Block see that that little sliver of line is open and then he just throws it down Allah Riley Salman a teammate of mine just slapping it down that line it' be so accurate to get that inside the antenna haven't you Yami oh away goes Gianelli again second time in the match second time in the set in fact that's always the critical piece of the setter dump is the decision there Takahashi made a nice read on it but it just happened quickly Lavia into Ishikawa that one goes on [Applause] adir Italy thought it was wide for a second baso indicates to his teammates that he did touch it on its way by yeah it was tight to the line very accurate now Mia AA brace yourselves oh out this time so you would expect you know a little cooling off from the Japanese serves right a little regression to the mean so to speak those four first set Aces though oh just on the Italian so quick galasi he goes heavy isawa deals with it well M Ora just arrives and delivers and it is electric just phenomenal how flat this set is keeps his big right Sider in Rhythm and then just the physical coil and uncoil on the right side like he's up for so long he can look around and make a decision awesome hitting 156 run up Ling right on the net tape and that is where Italy are may be better than anybody yeah you have to credit that pass first and foremost keeps Italy perfect in Rhythm on a great serve from tahashi and that that's always going to be a mismatch the big Mickey elto over the top of sakuda 1715 janelli close to Perfection but ran deals with it good joust smart by Ishikawa who Rockets one but balaso does well now mikto is there a touch no touch wow what a play from Ishikawa first of all the set from sakita to keep it tight to the net and look at this o just barely missing on the down oh there's a shadow and that's all it is is a shadow tiny margins on air mikto Fe needs it in and Lavia finds the touch this [Applause] time they got to yeah we've seen Japan be as honest as they come as you might expect that ball in anyhow 1816 isikawa as it comes off the net tape and that was a lovely reach from Yamauchi got a little bit higher than he wanted perhaps to get all the way on top of it but just does a nice little wrist slap at full extension there you go little leaving it up there all Wesley Snipes and White Men Can't Jump Sita with the service Yamamoto gives Japan another chance isikawa blocked still alive oh Yamauchi showing some skills and then fed through by Ishikawa again that's the luxury you have when that sets close to the net a couple great covers from Japan to extend that play Then putting it up there close letting isikawa make great decisions right here it's close it's close I'm just going to work it through and off the block for the winner well they're going to check the block touch here Italy whether or not the Final Touch was off Japan we had a couple of these earlier in the week didn't we with exactly the same play with exactly the same player well we had the most controversial one in the Brazil Poland match at the end of that first set now we'll see what's determined here this is kind of a new development in the game whose hand is on it last yeah I think that's going to stay with Japan yeah I mean Italy are going to disagree because there's confirmation bias in all of these isn't there now what they think has happened is it stayed on the index finger of Ishikawa and he's popped it between the two arms of the Italian blocker but the benefit of the doubt has gone to Japan and with it the scoreboard is tied at 1818 Japan have canceled out that break point again she is lighted with it and sakita is going to serve the ball into balaso and Japan can go again here sakita sets Mia Ora great save that was Micky elto but overpassed and isikawa misses the chance to give Japan the lead earmark that play right there that could be a big one pretty big misstep over setting the ball from Italy and Japan unable to capitalize right there those are so critical especially in the latter parts of sets so we're back on side out 1918 Yamamoto another great pass oh the pipes left short and Takahashi has landed Japan in a little bit let's not say hot water but let's say it's heating up and again that couple Point swing right there where Japan could have taken a lead now they find themselves in a two-point deficit in a matter of 15 20 seconds chance to make it right oh brilliant hustle mcky elto and then Lavia swings on to miora great block and Italy taking advantage of Japan's level slipping timeout called Italy 21 Japan 18 oh great defensive play right there from MTO just to keep it off the floor and then a wonderful blocking move right here from Lavia a little split block surprises isawa a little bit instead of 1918 Japan it's now 2118 Italy [Music] [Applause] but it's difficult to be critical because these players hold themselves to such high account but rant Takahashi he's been a little bit below the level we've come to expect from him today hasn't he yeah I I would agree with that I mean it's very it's marginal and he's done a lot of things tremendously well but you know once you get to the business end of tournaments like that everybody needs to be firing on all cylinders if you hope to beat the lik of Italy Japan need this side out they get this side out Yamauchi moves up to five points for the game they've all come from kills be interesting to see what we get from isawa from the service line we've seen a couple mistakes from him this [Applause] set he's yet to serve an ace all of his points have come from attacks nine in total goes heavy goes big but balaso chases it down Lavia is going to swing and Miss backto back points for Japan and is the pendulum swinging back their way well they're going to ask for a challenge here and I'll tell you in two seconds whether there was a touch on it because Japan haven't admitted to it Japan hav admitted to it it's very very unlikely there was a touch I I mean that's a phenomenal play Lavia just barely missing there but that set from bolasso how about it dead Sprint 40 ft away and he puts up a hitable ball for his big outside hitter here we go there's the hit misses everyone I tell you what their jerseys might be red but their consciences are white up not admitting oh sorry they are they're not trying to pull the wool over everyone's anyone's eyes they have been sleeping comfortably at night yeah absolutely straigh to then a preaches tax turn Ishikawa into balaso another great pass from him and Lavia makes it stick this time couple great serves from isikawa there I know he's just going after it hard and well he should but man if you can keep it off baso that's advisable in that position he's been so good so steady for Italy Romano goes big and again Italy have to hustle that's an overpass patience required now oh a net touch Italy strange strange things happening with this Italian team that is just a complete lack of control just lost sight of where he was I think on the court you know kind of expected that ball to be up near the net it was just a little too far near the net this shyama coming in serves a ripping Ace yesterday he's gone for the same again but Lavia has delivered [Applause] it to Gianelli who for the third time has dumped it clean by Japanese defensive standards that's a bit of a misstep right there because ganelli had no choice there that's one you got to come up with especially in that moment if you're Japan left him on his own three times haven't they in three times he has won the point good watch by Ishikawa now side out for set point that's it for Italy two side outs we are Level easier said than done points 24 or 25 always the hardest to get especially when this man's back to serve goes heavy doesn't manage the ace but Italy scrambling sakita sets Takahashi blocked up brilliant by sakita Takahashi again is there a touch yes there is and we are Level wow yeah you can see that first set was a little bit behind little bit off the net great coverage by Japan to get another opportunity and Takahashi delivers that's the great cover sakita Yamamoto great bump set and then the high deep swing oh oh it's just shaved just shaved [Music] just a little skin of the Palm right there from galasi it only takes a molecule or two of that epidermis doesn't [Applause] [Music] [Applause] it Japan 23 Italy 23 Italy have led throughout the set they LED at 11s and then Japan Drew level they also Drew level at 18 now they've D drawn level at 23 but they've not been able to take the lead yet now would be an incredible time to do it here's Keno Ora at the service line net tape takes the heat out of it another mistake this time it's Romano almost shocking there that he didn't go to MTO on the left side who's been so good well it was there to be hit he had the one-on-one with sakita who he could have gone over the top of but now for the second time in the match it's m Ora serving for the set rips it sent high now it's Miki elto now it's Sita and it's two Z Japan is shawa the hero they have snatched the second set from it who were in control at 2321 now Japan are one set away from their first ever volleyball Nations League Podium par me while I reattached my lower jaw Dave unbelievable stuff right there from Japan there is a little bit of swail kind of early maybe even in the middle we talked about that play at 18 all where Ishikawa missed we thought that might be the difference but what a response what a pritty response from the Japanese they were 2118 and 2321 down in that second set they've come back to Win It 2523 I mean here are the stats but the only one that really matters is 2523 and two Japan are there any numbers that really stand out for you there well you got a few more errors in favor of Japan on the Italian side and those couple late where they hit those balls long obviously very critical but you have to look again at the service pressure from Japan we saw them be perfect in set one we knew that was very unlikely to continue it didn't in fact but they found the range late couple bombs from isawa from the endline and of course M Ura again finding his serve late sealing the deal for Japan but a penny for the thoughts of our good friend and colleague Clayton Lucas as he goes down to try and get some coaches interviews because they're a lot easier to do at 1:1 than they are at 2 Z he's going to hear from a happy Philip Blaine I'm sure whoever he hears from from Italy will be a different story but they are still in this game they have shown enough quality they just need to be clinical in fact Clayton has found Philly he almost sprung over he was so desperate to talk to him but at 20-0 let's see what the Japanese coach has to say Philip you must be very very pleased in the way that your team came back in that second set two six down you kind of you were behind for most of it um what have you got to do now going for us first of all serving good is is very important for us to continue to push and serve and after tactically you try to find some combination to be uh to be efficient so right now it's okay but match is always long okay good luck the match is always long always long he doesn't want it to be long he wants it to be three sets and done no sign of anyone from Italy just oh no Fernando he's coming over he is facing the music and he has always got a great Insight Italy not out of this yet let's find out how they're going to get back into the game coach you were talking to the team and to telling them about it doesn't have to be perfect you just got to go and play the game is that still the same message I mean there there's still three sets to be played right I don't the same but for us it's important now to improve something because in the this second set we have some details to to do M more efficient we know against Japan we need have the avable to play their long rally because they don't don't touch a lot in Block but they touch a lot of ball in the in the defense we have this available to improve something two three balls two three balls more okay okay good luck thank you well it's not over yet but Italy need to regain some kind of control here at the Urgo Arena what a venue by the way it's been an incredible host to these 2023 men's vnl finals let's have a little chat about a young man by the name of Kento Mia Ora because if eugi Nishida hadn't tweaked his back he might not have even been on the court but he has been the difference between the teams from the service line at the end of both sets indeed he has been and uh I mean what a luxury coach Philipe Blain has to have interchangeable parts there at the opposite position I mean we know about Takahashi and isikawa on the left side but that balance on the right so critical for that Japanese offense absolutely and I mean both have been used and had plenty of court time during the volleyball Nations League both centurions in terms of points of course we wish yui Nishida all the very very best in his recovery from injury but Mia Ora 4 Aces but it's not just the aces is it it's it's the pressure that he applies on the Ser reive when those Rockets come over for those of us who are uh less intellectually inclined than you Dave centurions means he got over 100 point over 100 points okay uh yes over 100 points indeed and most of them have been very stylish very deadly will a change of ends mean a change of luck for Italy and they need it that is that is five consecutive sets that they've conceded now and I would have to really dig into the stat cave to see when the last time they lost five sets on the bounce was if it is six on the bouns then they will miss out on the medals here at the volleyball Nations League which after that quarterfinal victory over Argentina would have seemed Unthinkable yeah you said it we were kind of uh early crowning them champions of everything after that performance and then five that's later we haven't seen them recapture that form oh we were putting them all in the Hall of Fame that Argentina win which of course is credit to Argentina and the way that they've played too but now Italy get us underway in set three here's Lavia with the float into aikawa recycled by sikita isikawa again oh onehanded by Romano it's very stylish will it yield a point what a crazy rally to start with Ishikawa sends it long and Italy get the wet ink in The Ledger bizarre play to start us off there laia one Z Italy need a good start they're not going to get it on this service run and that's something that Italy need to improve is their ability to not end their own scoring runs they're pretty good you saw Lavia go with the float serve get a point and then go back to his jump serve and try and crank it just try and keep the pressure on Japan on odir good good watch by Fabio balaso last second tried to do the celebration oh no terrible leave yeah yeah yeah that was an that was an ace yeah that was signaled early baso tried to celebrate as if it were long but he fooled me sorry everyone yeah with our with our bolt six system there's no fooling anybody and uh yeah similarly onoda's just got to keep that on Italy especially after an ace the float Ser era is always a frustrating one isn't it indeed but he's picked up that Ace 22 galassi good pass is sheawa oh off the hands of janelli he gets up big for a Setter doesn't he uh he does but oneon-one Ishikawa so dangerous because of that swing right there across his body I mean you feel like everything's going to go into the angle he's got so much court so much space but then he can just chop it off your right hand like that 3-2 good ball in by lvia oh the one-handed set deserved a point doesn't get one because is she CWA is ripping angles for fun so we talked about the crossbody one this is what you're kind of expecting from Yuki yatsi in the crosscourt right there and how about the Dig from sakita just calm as you like taking Romano's heat and it is sakita at the service line puts that one in flat into mikto oh back comes Romano wow I love the enthusiasm of Yamamoto doesn't come up with this dig but he goes he looks immediately at his coach and goes should I be a step up coach well the early signs of this third set tell us that the handre break is well and truly off there's an overpass put down by mcky elto sakita helpless sometimes you feel like Japan need a little bit of struggle to get them going right we've got break points both ways early in the third janelli Yamamoto with the pass well recycled by Mia AA he's going to swing he's going to swing hard and balaso is going to keep it live mky elto too high too strong that is unbelievable just great touch from balaso Deep never gets more than 2 three feet off the floor I I think it was Russo that just scooped it up there perfectly it was great set there from the middle blocker that's a tough sled there for isi coward trying to shut down Mickey elto from there too [Applause] so Italy 54 up in sh with the serve phenomenal from janelli and that's such good location on that serve in this rotation this is kind of Row one where Sak's got a run by Ishikawa we'll see it here kind of freezes Isa a little bit he's a little late to react to that one with him if you set with him a little bit longer a higher guys this rotation we have to take the side out one come on once again it's Italy who have had the strongest start they LED 62 in the second they lead 6'4 here in the third but they need to make a count otherwise it'll be a fruitless journey to a Dan for them nice service run here from gnell and he's doing what we talked about earlier just forcing Japan to play with some great oh my goodness sideline to sideline well the first one was a little bit of finesse this one was just pure class that is great stuff right there you can see everybody kind of leaning towards that zone one serve that came on the last swing from Gianelli back to back either side of the timeout for janelli and then sends it into Yamamoto what a set I mean it's back over somehow so sakita can reload and yamama Uchi can put it away that's great stuff right there but again I love that from ganelli two backto back Aces then just throw in the floats or Force Japan to earn something they do there but it's a good job of maintaining pressure by the Italian Captain shawa Miki elto it's a slight mouch the Japan scrambling Ishikawa just keeps it alive janelli with the first touch mikto off the hands another chance for kza [Applause] run set didn't quite get up high enough for him he tried to go with the soft shot just barely missed the mark he was going to have that right hand of Mickey elto too I think if that Ball's about six seven CM higher now Mickey elto heavy service a service and Italy turning the screw from that Baseline you wonder if they talked about trying to serve the wider parts of the court because mietto and giia melli doing just that hitting Sidelines and an overpass they go again unlucky by Yamamoto but Japan not themselves in serve Reed for the last 5 minutes indeed you have to credit the serving of the Italians of course because those Sidelines the most vulnerable part of the court in Ser re MTO another good service but a better pass M AA off the hands ran lovely touch superb from janelli Lavia oh he's missed the hands what about that touch from Gianelli was great stuff right there that was more the Rhythm that Ron Takahashi wants though that ball got up high got close to the net he's able to work the hands of the block a little bit Gianelli with the great dig as you mentioned to give Italy a chance Japan four down again they've been here before Yami into Miki aletto dig by Mia Ora set from back court run into trouble now janelli can set and Russo can [Music] rip interesting here they're going to make the switch again tatori yeah tatsi I'm not sure I love that Takahashi made a couple mistakes but there's more factors to it right we talked about the set being a little a little bit low he's been so steady for them but we'll see toson hasn't been bad either Mia Ora strap in doesn't come good this time you'll have another opportunity later in the set Romano [Music] that's right tight to the net how about that set from sakita though just elevating and somehow managing to push that back to the dball lvia just barely missing on the one-on-one stuff would have been big that's sonori into mikto power from galassi full power their touch on the block from onoda but nothing you can do about that [Music] one Lavia Italy doing a lot better in maintaining their Good Start in this third set M or that is huge mik eletto with the monster 21 out there that's what you can do on the pins as a [Music] blocker oh landed before mura yes float service into tatsunori nicely done balaso lavier super confident from back court and again credit Lavia for keeping the serve on Japan forcing them to play but also coming up with the great dig and then lavio with the tough put away going high over the blocks of Sita second timeout called by Japan they don't want to make full power now they try to change sometime FL sometime J outside outside the position so we have to be ready all the time to move and to be aggressive on passing okay one you have to win come on [Music] nine points to four Italy winning that period between the first and the second timeout and they're looking a little bit more like themselves in this third set aren't they indeed we talked about five straights uh five straight sets that they've dropped not looking to make it six here here is last yet seven points in the game two blocks five attacks yet to serve an ace serves that on top sonori another great dig by balaso he is on form Italy swinging not landing and then on odir can bounce back that is a tremendous dig from balaso just a left arm spear on the quick attack have a look at it right here well that's the kill I guess on Oda to serve taken by mikto they're going to go to the middle again and galassi is going to win the point [Music] is that another Ace yes it is galassi superb service keep your ey on these fans now imitating Yodi M who's a great sport actually comes in with a head scratch and they all join in great fun here in Gdansk great supporters in Poland as well as galassi looking for another Ace doesn't pick it up this time and isikawa can wipe it off the hand what's this said about for Japan now realistically do they still think they can win this third set yeah I mean you're never going to give up until the 25th point is collected by your opponent but it's a lot about trying to regain your form trying to generate a little bit Mo of momentum going into what's likely to be a fourth [Applause] set high off the hands better blocking from Italy janelli with options another block touch another block Touch first touch by sikita in comes tatsunori and then off the Hands by Mia Ora that is a fantastic point for Japan really good stuff right there I love kind of Midway through Romano came in and had to play that short ball so that you could see the Japanese block slide out knowing that there was no option back great defensive work from the Japanese there's the pipe and that is hot from Lavia so what we're seeing here in this set a lot is Italy doing a better job than they've done in the first couple sets of maintaining surface pressure and Japan not quite as solid at imposing their will from the end line and so Italy in Rhythm a lot we're seeing more of those quick attacks and more of the pipes out of the middle of the Court superb from sikita oh my going up in one-handed tapping it to his guy Yamauchi out of The Middle he's 175 how has he got that high great States we call that the Statue of Liberty I don't know what we call it in Japan oh oh down the front he is close but not close enough Russo dishing heavy hands the Tokyo Tower very good very [Music] good bit of a comedy show going on in the crowd here mikto serves at to go janelli Russo having a lovely timeout there in the middle and again I'm not sure if it's you know accidental or if it's by plan but serving The Wider areas of the court has been working for Italy running their offense more through the middle been working big for Italy here in this set mikto 2012 looks like we're going to a fourth set Maybe fifth stay with us to find out great dig well played sakita Uka with the set and then Mia Ora with the shove man these plays in some difficult situations by all these players so impressive just the ability to sort of improvise right there oh that is not far off the shoulder either is it had to Matrix that one Yami again it's mky aletto who they target oh is that one long from Russo yes still a long way to go for Japan 142 again good ball control on the Italian side allowing all those quick attacks here's Yami serving reliable float service J has to go searching for that one over the first time and touchdown by [Music] Romano a few more overpasses by Japan then we've been used to yeah that's good power on that swing down the line from Lavia tough for sakita but good play from Romano Russo and it goes to sakita is from back [Applause] court nyama comes in blocking substitution for Sita so they'll recognize seter on court here for Japan Mia Ora at the service line at 1521 another one five Aces for Mur [Applause] he has been on fire from the end [Applause] line bit more Chop on that got it all the way five to five as a lefty that's going to always be a difficult serve especially with that kind of [Applause] [Music] pace and with that another change rotationally Mia Ora coming out AO coming in Ran coming in and otsuka tatsunori coming out so ran straight back yeah I like this get him ready for that fourth set that's very likely to be coming up [Music] soon 1722 maybe they're not done yet a little bit of round magic from the service [Music] line remember they were 182 21 down weren't they 23 21 down but it needs to happen it needs to happen now really R Takahashi with that service error any hopes of a Japanese comeback and probably died in the third set and Italy two points away from forcing a fourth in this race to the bronze medal Daniel [Music] elavia fls it into Yamamoto [Applause] the shyama no touch oh we might challenge this yeah why not you got you got a challenge to give you don't take it with you well Philip blae is there a touch on it watch the pinky of mikto doesn't look like it immediately does it he's not admitted to it so we've got the challenge requested I think we've accidentally just seen the result of it though was missed by quite some distance hasn't it well that's a great look at how different angles can tell completely different stories right because the first view we got it looked like there might have been a little pinky touch that one not even close all right with the green card in play you feel like players are just going to admit to it anyhow Lavia serving for the set Yamamoto feeds it into ero isikawa only finds balaso and it's four from four on the second ball for Simone janelli Italy right back in the contest they have been in complete control of set number three and they take it by 25 points to 17 and I think not just for the players not just for the coaches but the supporters watching at home the Italian supporters that'll be a huge sigh of relief to see their team back to something like their best indeed and now we get to find out how Japan will respond to that because they were out of sorts pretty much from the beginning of that third set Italy did a great job of upgrading their service pressure and then of course running their offense absolutely and you know if you're if you're Italy and your down two sets that's always difficult because any kind of misstep on your side any big run that you give up to your opponent could theoretically be your last and if you're Japan you like the ability to be able to play a little foot loose and fancy free knowing all it takes is one more you can lose another set and still have just one set to go I mean you certainly don't want to get in that position but well let's take a look at the serve placement then fairly well spread by Japan of course they had that 100% completion in the first set that's dropped off a little bit but it's still been fairly high and as for Italy really aiming down that Center aren't they do you know what because a lot of the time it's been Gran Takahashi who's been serving there and he's made a few errors and as a result he's been seted out they've really targeted him indeed yeah they've upgraded their serve as we've talked about we saw a little bit more going to The Wider parts of the Court it was interesting seeing that 52% there given how much success you alluded to they've had when they've attacked those flanks well yeah I mean you've got to go at the sidelines sparingly obviously it's more difficult to hit those precise locations the middle going to give you a little more room for eror we saw a couple of beauties from Jan in that third set Aces to both the left and the right well now it's business time isn't it at the end of this set we will either have a bronze medalist but we will have a race to 15 but the drama will continue to come this has been a fantastic game it's been all one side then all the other Italy showing they are not done yet changes out there for the Italians it will be ran Takahashi who starts in this fourth set as opposed to otsuka tatsunori and it'll be akihiro Yamauchi serving first fourth set is go and Italy open it with a side out thanks to [Music] mikto I can't help but think for Japan's float servers going at balaso not necessarily the best choice I mean I think that's putting it quite lightly I don't like to be too harsh galasi into run don't really want to put it on him either do you yeah there's not great options as to who to serve on the Japanese side but I mean that's the case for all of these teams it's a matter of pick your poison you want to find the small margins right and balaso and Yamamoto not the guys you want to serve if you can help it yeah Ora well baso does very well there because he was off balance when he took that mikto oh he's blocked and he's blocked by ran Takahashi with a little bit of surprise from both sides of the net right there a little bit shocking that the Japanese blockers stayed on that ball Ron does a great job and I love the discipline from the Japanese boys right there just going straight up straight over sealing the net AA Ace number six he's been Revelation hasn't he well that's the thing when you pick up that surprise block by ran it means he gets to reload from the service line and Italy requests the timeout at 31 cuz they're already looking to ice this guy I don't mind that from coach to Georgie you don't want to let that guy get too hot Mia Ura has been on another level from the service line [Music] mikto it's difficult to know whether those are happy smiles or rise smiles from the Italian players and I think it is very much dependent on where those pictures are taken here's Clayton's favorite dance and everyone with their version of what is left and what is right what is very right is M Ora serving oh he's gone heavy again and Lavia can get something on it MKTO can go over the three of them and even Yamamoto can't get there it's an important point for a couple of reasons it closes the Gap to one and it gets mura off the service line I mean that is men's volleyball at its finest right there're just an absolute bomb Italy do well just to keep it alive Gianelli with the beautiful setup to his big outside hitter mikto over the top for the winner janelli tries to go short again Yamamoto equal to it oh Russo unlucky run runs into the same problem and Russo gets him the second time that's a tough chance for Takahashi right there everything was pushed to that level front of the court great coverage right there from isikawa but Takahashi just dealing with a perfectly formed Italian block and that Tempo set really minimizes your range a little bit when you don't have any cracks in the block and once again we are in the early stages of a set in this game where we have had break points on both sides run oh takes on anyone and everyone oh hang on ity not happy with this I think they've got an argument as well because we kind of talked about that one early that went off of mto's shoulder that kind of geometrically there was no chance that that went outside the antenna this one I feel like is the same there's no way it went inside the antenna off of balaso but quickly the whistle was blown so it'll be a point for Japan well ity have got to dust this off R Takahashi at the service line goes long and we are Level yeah earlier in the competition when we were in o on there was a very dramatic one between France and Brazil and France maybe let it get to them a little bit and then the game was gone Italy can't make the same mistake that's a loose one from mikto so languid in his in his approach isn't he so long limed when he hits it it flies taishi onad 54 Japan in by mikto oh it's just wide just about all Japan could do after Lavia [Music] Unleashed that's good stuff from onodera though it's a great pass from mikto but you keep it away from balaso that's key for Japan on those serves Russo drops that one in to isikawa he's going to get it back is that glanced the antenna on the way through rare mistake from the captain everyone has got to look at their faces to say what was that buzzer did Georgie there are they challenging this no they're getting a yellow card instead for wasting everyone's time Philip blae is saying that he didn't press the buzzer oh well yellow card has been awarded Sita looking for Mur who gets stuffed straight back galassi a giant that was a big press right there in the angle from galasi well timed well executed from big number 14 break point 75 Russo drops it in again first touch by Yamauchi then Gianelli out of the attack so mikto sets Lavia swings Yamamoto digs isikawa oh Italy turning it up in defense and turning it on in offense Yori Romano [Music] their block is really doing a nice job right now Italy but what's giving them these opportunities the serve they're keeping it on Japan that short serve C causing a little bit of trouble it doesn't have to be the mura bomb right just a tactical short circleid open block both [Music] this is a hot run for Italy they called their first time out at 3-1 down since then they've taken seven points to Japan's two to take control of this fourth set service pressure up blocking up attacking up Russo 50% going very nicely as well he's one away from 10 points drops it in short again and the Dig by mikto Romano it was close it was close and those are the kind of points that weren't going Italy's way in the first couple of sets and isikawa just turning that right hand off the net ever so slightly and then Japan responds through isikawa they've really targeted yamama Uchi short on those Services haven't they that's perfect stuff I mean make the middle blockers handle that first ball they don't have the repetitions and typically Japanese the Japanese middle blockers are going to handle that well but not quite so on those last four or five serves and it goes to janelli again oh oh mikto just Glides through Japan seeing if they can't recover a few points by making gazi handle the first Contact but Italy do well with it there little slam dink from melto Romano four-point game Yamamoto in it goes oh M Ora off with the [Applause] radar tough SW Wing to get that one down the line for the Lefty on the left [Music] side massive service touched once twice on Yamamoto oh like the waiter trying to catch the falling plates wasn't he that was interesting it looked like sakita was going to maybe have a play on that and really good discipline from Lavia as well to not press over prematurely on that well again first couple of sets they were getting net touches on those Romo into the net lower half of the net as well yeah Japan had a good start as you mentioned 3-1 forcing the early timeout and it's been all Italy since then what a response Ishikawa lovely pass oh my goodness me that is filth it is I mean Yamamoto with a great read on that you could see him crashing in there late we look at ISA there but that is just perfection from ganelli oh wow wow 137 and it goes to isikawa better swing from Mia Ora and Japan need to get something going here CU even if we do go to a fifth set they're going to want some momentum they were four down in the second set weren't they and they came back and they won that late 2523 but the warning signs were there here Yami what a rogue Ace Rogue is the perfect way to say that I mean we talked about how it's kind of a mistake to serve balaso that's not what you expect you can see he's covering MKTO so mck kto can just slide out and get into the offensive Rhythm well that's his first Ace of these finals it looked innocuous enough oh that was tight tight tight [Music] tight trying for a little too much right there I [Music] think now galasi [Music] goes long again as it look to continue that Relentless service pressure he will come with errors a spot where Japan can try and creep closer the back of this server right here again to Ora six Aces again that one sent High by lvia it's a bad all he can do mikto [Applause] blasts it long and meora gets to go again going to challenge us for the touch again just watch Japan Mur is ready to serve they're pointing at each other did you touch it taishi on adir and yes it's taken him a little longer to admit it and he does against the Green Card it's so interesting because typically when you're being being shown a card by the referee it's a a negative thing oh yeah just tearing a little thumbnail off isawa misses and Rich can you smell that that smells like a fifth set smells like a fifth [Music] set and the momentum the atmos the entire environment here in the Ergo Arena has changed Italy back in control Japan from bouncing and bobbing and all this crowd really being behind them it's a little flat in here now as Japan's level has dropped can run Takahashi just drag them back into contention here it's 1611 it's a good service but it's a great pass and even these even these Scrappy balls bouncing off the net bouncing here there Japan not getting near him it's uncharacteristic they've been saving so well it is interesting how kind of all of the pieces of the game seem to fit together when one's working all of them seem to work but then the flip of that is true as well ran receives Miki eletto serves and it's another monster block on mura lavio some great work on the pin here take a look good close to that [Music] line [Applause] 18 between outside when we and the you re [Applause] you down so in between timeouts here they've got a couple of super high energy like crowd hype guys and whilst we've been listening into the timeout one of them has been absolutely tearing around like you say B with a camera guy desperately chasing after him trying to keep up oh let's try and get them on screen hilarious here's mikto Italy in control even more so now that is a clean Ace Japan just watching that hit the floor a complete breakdown in communication in the serve Reed again when the balls aren't kind of bouncing your way little things just creep their way in like those miscommunications another good service isikawa down the line another another Miss from Ishikawa and Japan look like they can't wait to see the end of the set and good news it won't be long won't be long now but again you'd like to be able to recover some measure of form going into the fifth you don't want to get thumb twice and have to try and come up with a fifth set win for your metal chance yto with the touch Gianelli God there have been some Rogue things happening that is a Rarity from one of the finest Setters in the game that's an extremely difficult play right there small window he's trying to back bump set that into but you you expect such great things from the Italian captain taii onira at 1220 onto miketa that's off the arm but gets away with it Lavia it is hot and onad sends it skywards and he's really elevated his level for Italy here too and that's been so critical kind of backed off from the service line going with the float serve just keeping the pressure on realizing his jump serve hasn't been with him as much today Russo into Yamauchi run oh brilliant by Yamamoto isawa another block Touch by the Italians another Yamamoto with the first touch sikita mura can only offer up a free ball now janelli superb from Yamamoto what a rally is shawa off the hands still scrambling still [Applause] swinging he's desperate for a touch isikawa and a hand goes up from Yori romano and that rally goes Japan's way brilliant brilliant play I like that he waited long enough to Garner the Green Card Romano yeah that was The Classy cover right there from Yamamoto a couple of them and some great plays from mikawa as well on tight sets to just get the ball back for his team seita that one's watched wide and Italy one point closer the scoring's been quite spread out mura and mikto 16 points M Ishikawa and mikto all on 16 now Romano 14 Lavia 13 they're the ones in double figures and Romano at the service line now lets the left hand go into ran Takahashi who arrives from back court and that is the famous Takahashi pipe yeah and that'll be key for Japan going into the fifth set is kind of the level of that man right there is shawa and Lavia receiv receives baso sets Lavia swings great Touch by Ishikawa ran can only touch it off the hands what a set what a swing oh Romano how about the faint right there from gianetti goes up faces as if he's going to swing pumps it back to his opposite now Ishikawa is coming out he's going to have a little breather before the fifth set they're bringing in shat [Applause] Tomita playing in his second volleyball Nations League Tommy Tu and he gets his first touch of the game over on the first ball run little no lucky there there it is yeah he loves that shot it's a great shot take a look here sees the open line just kind of the slam dink next to impossible for RO Romano to get as a Defender there and with that shat Tomita went off on a lap of Honor that old school tour we love it Gianelli big wide Blast from Romano every little Point helps right here if you're a Japan just regain some of that belief Yamauchi Janell sets Romano high off the hands and a touch there for Tomita over to ran oh it's massive galassi has had his number more than once today fourth kill block for him that's special from galasi look he's kind of late but just gets those hands over into Japanese airspace right there gets reward Ed with the stuff you know on the quick Tempo that Ball's not going to Traverse the net that high set point M Ora finds the Baseline and keeps it alive for one point longer it was 2517 in the third set will that score be emulated in the second it is M Ora to serve looking to improve on his six Aces not this time and we are going to a fifth set it is a decider for bronze and from the moment the third set started it always felt like it was going to go that way but Italy have transformed Japan need to refind some form because it's Italy 2 Japan too the last two have gone down 2517 and Italy have gone from nothing to something pretty quickly indeed yeah kind of a surprising e and flow from both teams in this match but uh what a great bronze medal match this is shaping up to be already here are the stats then Italy Superior in attacks and blocks that's the big difference isn't it yeah those blocks absolutely making the difference just fairly leveling opponent errors a couple more on the Japanese side that we're kind of unaccustomed to seeing and it's not just the the kill blocks the full kill blocks there something that you've been very complimentary of with regards to Japan is the amount of block touches they get that allow them to transition and apply the pressure the other way that's something that Italy have done really well isn't it getting those touches making Japan make decisions and really force the issue yeah indeed that's the case uh on the Italian side and not to sound like a broken record about the service pressure but Italy doing a concerted making a concerted effort to not end their own scoring runs as it were right when they make the break points they keep the service pressure on Japan forcing them to earn any side out we just seen that monster block there by galasi on rant Takahashi he's really come into the game in the middle he has indeed and and Italy doing a great job of controlling the ball as well keeping him involved offensively and it's not surprising how when you're engaged offensively that block tends to follow along and kind of Vice Versa right let's have a look where the Block locations are then firstly for Japan 2/3 of them coming in the center and then a third on the left nothing on the right hand side for Japan no no joy down there they've not made a huge amount of kill blocks of course then for Italy well wherever you're swinging there is danger because they are making them oneon-one they are putting up big blue walls of three but they just got height everywhere haven't they Japan have always got to have their wits about them yeah indeed the Japan are going to have to control the ball a little bit better than they did in the third and the fourth set particularly if they get stuck in that rotation again where Russo is serving and he's trying to pick on the middle blockers from Japan they've got to handle that first Contact well so that Japan can run that run that spread offense with Precision because we talk about Japan's lack of height and how it's not an obstacle other than Fabio baso nobody on the court for Italy is below 2 meters we've got Micky elto 211 Gianelli 2 m galassi 2011 Lavia 2 m Romano 203 Russo 207 but right now it is 0 it is a race to 15 for bronze here at the EO Arena the volleyball Nations League 2023 Italy looking to continue their run of medals in major tournaments Japan looking to get this started this will be their first medal in the vnl era and their first since 2009 it is going to be the left arm Cannon of Kento Mia or order to get us underway in the decider fifth set is go and it is go with an ace canel Mia order on the line 7 a serves incredible unbelievable stuff all laia can do is shake his head at that he's been going five to five 5 to six5 most of the night and he just smacks that one to one he's gone again into the tap this time janelli can set and galasi can swing for one one yeah a great response from Lavia there another heater comes at him gets slowed down by the tape just a little bit perfect pass keep the midds involved if you're Italy ah this is great fifth set drum galassi gave that everything and then [Applause] some it's amazing you know much like tennis where the scoreboards reset at the end of sets you know it's crazy how the energy level can change on your side of the net another potential service gun here for Japan ran Takahashi drops that in a little softer though and it means that Italy can go to the middle and Roberto Russo the double Desmond 2222 again well handled by Lavia there on kind of the easy roll from Takahashi now janelli arguably his serve that got Italy back into the game dropped that in short on ran Ishikawa they can recycle and Ishikawa goes again takes on the big man takes on Russo takes on romano and this time gets the W I love that isikawa hasn't lost any of his Yuki any of that courage out there still challenging the big block on those quick sets oh not there with that float into balaso there's a dig an important one too Sita is going to have to play this no it's overcooked and after a great dig like that feels like a shame how about the RPMs on that ball though I think that had 5T a hook just off the arms of isikawa so gravitational pull and we are still point for point with tricky Mickey to serve good service as well into Ishikawa back to Ishikawa ripped by Ishikawa Romano comes up a little bit gimpy there maybe landed awkwardly let's take a look oh yeah there's a little Clash of feet wasn't it a little bit but that is just a phenomenal swing from isikawa high down the [Applause] line seita into mikto oh the block looks a big one Japan with the break point to lead by two that is a great read from the Japanese block right there that pass a little bit flat ganelli couldn't quite get it into big Russo there and how about Mia Ura with the great right hand janelli reloads another block back to back this time it's Yami another tremendous read right there perfect pass this time they know Italy have been trying to feed the middle Yami look at the big spread block gets the right paw on it 63 timeout called Italy in trouble [Applause] [Music] Japan have got the energy back they've already picked up one ace two kill blocks those three points are the difference between the two teams in this race to 15 and you don't want to be chasing do you you do not want to be chasing and again it's a good run from sakita not crazy difficult serves but tactical well placed good variety oh he's unlucky there as well that has come up hot from the middle nice from Russo but unlucky by sakita and Italy win the first point after that timeout I love that go right back to the middle a little better Rhythm on that from Gianelli to Big Russo here is Big Russo floats that in Ran Takahashi receives oh it's glorious it is glorious from ishika my buddy Riley Salon used to call that the Palm ball watch him just kind of catch that stop time drop it right over the block beautiful stuff from [Applause] mikawa 74 isikawa oh ripping serve Lavia does well to keep that alive into Yamamoto it goes isikawa off the block unbelievable the Dig right there from Yamamoto is astounding keeps the Japanese transition offense in perfect Rhythm and Ishikawa paying it off with the pipe Feast he is that guy Yamamoto isn't he he really is isawa four-point lead balaso with a good pass Romano into the hands of ran Romano reload oh what a dig how about that by Sita free ball offer up Lavia Italy just can't find a way through this is spectacular from Japan in every aspect of the game and it's unbelievable we talked about how when things are rolling your way all the bounces seem to be in your favor and that's certainly the case here for Japan right now just excellent discipline blocking getting paid off though as well Yamauchi four sets no kill Blocks he's picked up two Italy looking to go soft on him twice and he's made them pay and Japan lead by five is shikwa 20 points the game's top scorer one ahead of Mia Ora over pass ran Takahashi closes the door it seems like this set started about 30 seconds ago and it's already 10 to 4 what is going on right here just an absolute Japanese Juggernaut right now this is [Applause] astonishing into the net from Ishikawa here is a glimmer of light for Italy but it is at the end of a long long Corridor you got to be careful of you're Japan not to put your eyes on that Finish Line too quickly just keep ticking [Applause] that certainly helps but just keep your focus narrow here here Japan well here comes Hiro nishiyama in for akihiro Yamauchi Yamauchi can take a breather after two kill blocks in comes nishiyama we know he's got a cannon he came straight in yesterday served an ace which was his first ever point in the vnl can he get another one here no but it's a great service onto up that goes there's the Chase from [Applause] sikita I mean what a serve ice cold Off the Bench well handled by Italy but oh nishwa right there just phenomenal nishiyama excuse me you take a look around this Arena when Japan play like this the smiles on supporters faces as something else here's Lavia off the net into it she CWA ran oh it is that man again galassi he's having a great game he really is yeah galasi has been unbelievable particularly against tahashi he's going to need a few more of those still alive Italy Lavia It's s with the serve into Yamamoto Mur he has also had a great game that is so such class from sakita though that pass in quick good stuff from Yamamoto but it gets on the setter quick he keeps his opposite in Rhythm up high so he can beat the upper hands of the block three more points required near aura's service line heroics come to a halt you felt like that was going to be ace or ER territory right there didn't you seven Aces though what a turn at this level galasi it's difficult to be critical cuz they've got to apply pressure but at this stage first Galaxy Lavia Romano all putting the ball into the net you can't do that yeah it's that difficult sort of decision when you're in a five-point hole you got to make your opponent play you don't want to give him easy stuff but you can't give him freebies kentaro comes in for ran Takahashi at the service line goes up balaso janelli goes over on a second ball and oh that is a tough two touch called on onad wow he might argue that the first touch was the block I think you uh let that slide a little bit more when the score is 13 to9 but clearly that's a block and then a dig I think a little bit of a quick whistle from our otherwise sure whistled official [Applause] janelli another service error it is a gift wrapped match point for Japan the Urgo arena is on its feet and taishi onod is serving for the bronze medal he's had 1 a serve already can he finish it in style in it goes from mik aletto it's over this is the chance isikawa for the bronze medal and Japan make history all