Italy took home bronze after a four-set win over China during yesterday’s Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) finals at the Macau East Asia Games Dome.
Despite the damp weather and amidst Saturday’s looming typhoon that caused a degree of uncertainty, many fans turned up at the dome to show their support for the home team, with the stadium echoing the collective cheers for the host team. The event website noted that 3,600 spectators were present in the main hall of the stadium that seats 7,000.
Kicking off with the first set, the Italians led on the scoreboard, while the Chinese mainland team put up a valiant effort. However, Italy ended the set at 25 to 16.
The host team pushed even harder on the second set, initially taking the lead. Although the Italian team went on to catch up, China won the close battle at 23 to 25.
Another closely fought battle ensued in the third set, with China initially leading, but ending with Italy again catching up and winning yet another set at 25 to 22. By the fourth set, Italy continued their momentum, this time finishing the set with a dominant 25 to 13. This landed them the tournament’s bronze medal at 3-1.
The win marks the Italian team’s, which won the previous two editions, first bronze medal in their collection, according to a statement on the VNL website, adding that this includes three gold.
Following the match, some members of the Italian team told reporters how elated they were to win. Among those interviewed, captain Anna Danesi noted that while they were initially aiming for gold, they were still honoured to have won third place. “I’m really happy because it’s not always easy”, remarking on their “good performance” in Macau overall. “We played a really good match but we won and it’s a really important medal for us”.
Teammate Ekaterina Antropova, who was chosen player of the match, added: “It feels nice to finish this journey with a win. She also pointed out: “For myself, it was really important to remember the player that I am. After yesterday [Italy’s semi-final loss to Brazil], it wasn’t easy to come back during and after that game. We didn’t even have 24 hours to rest, so I’m really happy and proud of the girls, and also everyone who came in from the bench. It was really important for us and I’m happy to be wearing this medal right now”.
Türkiye takes home gold
Meanwhile, Türkiye emerged with a 3-1 victory against Brazil during last night’s final match.
According to the VNL website, the win marks the team’s second gold in the tournament since 2023.
The team had initially lost the first set with the score of 23-25. However, in the three closely fought sets that followed, Türkiye came out on top, with the scores of 25-23, 26-24, and 25-21. Brazil meanwhile ended their match with their fifth silver medal.
According to the event website, the final match saw a total of 4,000 spectators and lasted a total of 126 minutes.
China and Italy vie for the bronze medal during the finals of the Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) at the Macau East Asian Games Dome yesterday. – Photos: Rui Pastorin
Turkiye celebrate their gold medal at the Macau East Asian Games Dome. – Photo: VNL
