NINGBO, China, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Alessandro Michieletto notched 26 points as Italy beat Slovenia 3-1 in Beilun, Ningbo on Saturday to reach the men's Volleyball Nations League final for the first time.
Michieletto reaped 19 kills, four blocks and three aces to lift the Italians over Slovenia 25-22, 22-25, 25-21 and 25-18 in the first semi-final match of the VNL Finals.
"I think I feel good now. I have to recharge for tomorrow because for us it will be the most difficult match in the VNL," said Michieletto. "I think we have to play with the smile because we are happy to arrive in China, so it's not pressure but only happiness. Brazil and Poland are two very good teams. So I hope it will be a beautiful match."
After splitting the first two sets with Italy, Slovenia stayed within 11-10 in the third set, but Italy pulled away for a 21-17 lead and held on to make it two sets to one.
In the fourth set, Italy raced to an 18-12 cushion and never looked back.
"I think we were fighting until the end. The problem was that we couldn't get out of a certain rotation," said Slovenian captain Jan Kozamernik. "This is what gave the points to Italy, gave them this gap and catching up with these guys was really difficult."
"I have to say I'm not completely happy with our performance. Some moments were really good. On the other moments, we gave away a lot," he added.
The Italians, whose previous best finish in the VNL was fourth in 2022 and 2023, produced nine aces, compared to only two for Slovenia.
Later on Saturday, Poland swept Brazil 28-26, 25-19 and 25-21 for the other berth in Sunday's final.
Kewin Sasak led Poland with 19 points and Jakub Kochanowski added 10.
Italy will vie for the title against Poland on Sunday as Brail takes on Slovenia in the bronze medal match. ■
