The U.S. Men’s National Team is gearing up for an exciting rematch against Italy in the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio. With both teams vying for victory, this match promises to be a thrilling showdown that fans won’t want to miss.
Match Details
- Who: U.S. Men’s National Team (4-2) vs Italy (5-1)
- When: Aug. 19 at noon EDT
- Where: nbcsports.com/live
Tournament Progress
The U.S. Men’s team had a rocky start in the Olympic tournament, suffering losses to Canada and Italy in the pool play. However, they quickly turned things around with impressive victories over Brazil, France, and Mexico. With a third-place finish in Pool A, the U.S. Men advanced to the semifinals after a convincing sweep against Poland.
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Italy, on the other hand, had a strong performance in the pool play, only losing their final match against Canada. They secured their spot in the rematch with the U.S. Men after a dominant 3-0 victory over Iran in the quarterfinals.
Team History
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The U.S. Men have faced Italy several times since 2012, with a record of 4-3 in favor of Italy. Notably, Italy defeated the U.S. Men in the final round of the World League, but the U.S. Men had their revenge during pool play, securing a 3-0 victory in Rome.
Overall, the U.S. Men have a historical record of 30-45 against Italy since 1980. Italy has come close to Olympic gold, finishing second twice and third three times. In 2012, Italy eliminated the U.S. Men from the Olympic Games in the quarterfinals.
Key Players to Watch
Italy boasts a talented roster with players like Ivan Zaytsev, Osmany Juantorena, Emanuele Birarelli, and Matteo Piano. Their setter, Simone Giannelli, has been impressive in all aspects of the game. On the U.S. side, outside hitters Aaron Russell and Taylor Sander, along with opposite Matt Anderson, have been delivering consistent performances. Middle blockers Max Holt and David Lee have been strong defensively and will be crucial in this match.
Match Analysis
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Italy’s diverse lineup poses a challenge for the U.S. Men. While they can slow down certain players, they must also be wary of the opposing middle blockers and the talented setter, Simone Giannelli. The U.S. Men will rely on the well-rounded scoring of Russell, Sander, and Anderson, as well as the solid defense provided by Holt, Lee, and libero Erik Shoji. Both teams will aim to minimize errors and capitalize on their strengths.
What’s Next?
The winner of the upcoming match will have the opportunity to compete for the gold medal against the winner of the semifinal between Brazil and Russia. The gold medal match will take place on Sunday, Aug. 21, at 12:15 p.m. EDT. Meanwhile, the losing teams will battle it out for the bronze medal at 8:30 a.m. EDT.
Quote of the Week
In light of the U.S. Men’s impressive comeback in the pool play, Taylor Sander shared an insightful perspective: “Yeah, now we know what NOT to do.” This mindset demonstrates the team’s determination and focus on learning from their past losses.
FAQs
Q: How has the U.S. Men’s team performed in the Olympic Games so far?
A: The U.S. Men’s team had a challenging start, but they turned things around with victories against Brazil, France, and Mexico. They secured a spot in the semifinals after defeating Poland in a convincing sweep.
Q: What is Italy’s historical performance in the Olympic Games?
A: Italy has finished second twice and third three times in previous Olympic Games. They have never won a gold medal but have consistently been a strong competitor.
Q: Who are the key players to watch in the upcoming match?
A: Italy’s Ivan Zaytsev, Osmany Juantorena, Emanuele Birarelli, and Simone Giannelli are players to keep an eye on. For the U.S. Men, Aaron Russell, Taylor Sander, and Matt Anderson have been delivering solid performances.
Summary
The U.S. Men’s National Team is set to face Italy in an exhilarating rematch at the Olympic Games in Rio. With both teams eager to secure a spot in the gold medal match, this game promises to be a captivating battle of skill and determination. Fans can expect a showdown between Italy’s talented roster and the well-rounded scoring of the U.S. Men. Stay tuned for an unforgettable clash on the court.
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