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.
MOMENTS THAT TRIED TO TURN
First set? Italy blitzed to an 8-2 lead. The U.S. clawed back to 16-all, but Italy ran off with it. Robinson’s six kills were a lone bright spot.
Second set saw a Shoji dig lead to a Jacob Pasteur kill for a 9-6 lead. Italy? They called timeout and stormed back with a 9-2 run. Game. Set. Match.
By the third set, the U.S. was playing catch-up. They got close—real close—but Italy said no thanks. An 8-2 run to finish? That’ll do it.
WHAT'S NEXT?
So, what now? The U.S. faces Türkiye next in Chiba, Japan. Sitting at 2-6, Türkiye might just be the break the U.S. needs. If they can figure out these serve and receive issues, they might just flip the script.
But let's be real... it's time to step up, or step out.
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Source: USA Volleyball
