The U.S. Men’s National Team just hit a wall named Italy. Losing 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-18) at NOW Arena, the Americans wrapped up VNL Week Two with a bitter taste. Italy? Now sitting pretty at 6-2. The U.S. team? Stuck at 4-4.
THE BLOCK PARTY THEY MISSED
Here's the kicker. The U.S. had more kills (40-38) but couldn't capitalize. Why? Italy's blocking (6-2) and aces (8-1) crushed any momentum. Add in five extra errors from the U.S., and yeah, that stings.
Karch Kiraly laid it out straight: “Italy is a really good team and they picked us apart in serve and receive. We have a lot of work to do.” Those serves? Not hitting hard enough. And receiving? Let’s just say it wasn’t their strong point.
YOUNG GUNS, OLD PROBLEMS
Cooper Robinson led with 11 kills, while Gabi Garcia added 10 points. But the young guns need to sharpen their edge. As Garcia put it, “The young kids are not so young anymore. We know we have a lot of work to do.”
Even Erik Shoji, back in action since the China match, registered four digs and four receptions. But Italy? They didn't want any part of him. They avoided Shoji like he was radioactive.
