The Italian women win the Under-21 World Championship, beating Japan in the fifth set.

Heart, heartbeat and gold for the Italian volleyball team . The Under 21 national team is world champion after a very tough match won in the tie break against Japan: 15-11 in the decisive set after a grueling swing in the scorching heat of the Samator Healthporia Volleyball Hall in Surabaya, Indonesia. After winning the first set 25-22, Italy, coached by Gaetano Gagliardi, went down 2-1 (25-22 and 25-15 for the Japanese), before finding the edge in a fourth set dominated 25-19. In the tie break, after being caught at 9-9, the decisive break was led by the very talented Merit Adigwe , opposite hitter for Imoco Conegliano, who scored 34 points. Captain and middle blocker Linda Manfredini (15), then Bosso (14 points) shone with the team. Italy is world champion in this category for the first time in history after winning silver in 2023. Until 2021, the tournament was dedicated to the Under-20s (Italy won two gold medals in 2011 and 2021). The Azzurre completed a journey that began on August 7: victories against the Czech Republic, Algeria, Poland, and Egypt, then a single defeat against Turkey, followed by victories over Indonesia, China, Brazil, and finally a triumph in the final against Japan, a team that had never lost in the tournament. This group thus secured its second consecutive international medal, following the silver medal at the Under-20 European Championships in Sofia in 2024. And with this victory, the Italian Volleyball Federation further enhances its medal haul, which this summer already boasts five podium finishes for both the women's and men's national youth teams.

The match

The match started evenly, with the first set being a sprint: from 21-21, Italy made a small but crucial 2-0 break, then tied the score at 25-22. Japan responded in the second set, accelerating to a 13-9 lead, then coming back to 22-22, then scoring three consecutive points. Japan even reached a 10-point lead and closed the third set 25-15. With their backs against the wall, Italy responded: 4-0 straight away in the fourth set, the lead remaining intact until the final 25-19. The tie-break was decided , with Italy attempting to open a gap, jumping to a 7-3 lead but being caught by the Japanese team at 9-9. In the decisive moment, the Italian block proved the difference. The 15-11 lead came on a first-half winner by captain Manfredini.

Who are the blues?

NICOLE PIOMBONI was born on November 22, 2005 in Rimini. Height: 181 cm. Role: Spiker. She plays for Volley Macerata.

DALILA MARCHESINI was born on January 3, 2006, in Varese. She is 188 cm tall. She plays as a center back. She plays for Imoco Volley.

TERESA MARIA BOSSO was born on January 6, 2005 in Turin. Height: 182 cm. Role: Spiker. She plays for Mondovì Volley.

HELENA SASSOLINI was born on January 14, 2005 in Bagno a Ripoli (Florence). Height: 181 cm. Role: Setter. She plays for Futura Volley.

ERIKA ESPOSITO was born on February 10, 2006 in Magenta (MI). Height: 186 cm. Role: Spiker. She plays for Volleyball Scandicci.

SILENE MARTINELLI was born on September 8, 2006, in Barga (LU). She is 190 cm tall. She plays as a center back. She plays for ASD Altino.

ANNA BARDARO was born on April 29, 2005 in Cittadella (PD). Height: 179 cm. Role: Libero. She plays for Imoco Volley.

MERIT CHINENYENWA ADIGWE was born on August 24, 2006 in Crema (CR). Height 184 cm. Role Opposite. She plays for Imoco Volley.

LISA ESPOSITO was born on September 25, 2005 in Dolo (VE). Height: 189 cm. Role: Spiker. She plays for Volleyball Scandicci.

EMMA MAGNABOSCO was born on May 26, 2006 in Verona. Height: 181 cm. Role: Setter. She plays for Fusion Team Volley.

LINDA MANFREDINI was born on May 14, 2006, in Modena. She is 188 cm tall and plays as a center. She plays for Volley Bergamo.

ADJI ASTOU NDOYE was born on April 3, 2006 in Rivoli (Turin). Height: 183 cm. Role: Spiker. She plays for Volleyro' Casal De Pazzi.