Italy crushed China, 25-21, 25-18, 25-19, Sunday night to close out its Week 2 campaign in the Volleyball Nations League Men’s Leg on a high note at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Italians showed their dominance on the defensive end by posting 11 blocks to pick up their sixth win in eight outings for 19 points.
They actually won three of their four matches this week. Their earlier victories came from Germany and Slovenia while their only loss came at the expense of Japan.
Daniele Lavia starred for the Italians this time with 22 points off 16 kills, three blocks and three aces, while Giulio Pinali pumped in 15 points including 12 attacks.
Providing a tough defensive wall at the net were skipper Simone Giannelli, Simone Anzani and Lavia, who combined for eight blocks.
Zhang Guanhua and Zhang Jingyin scored 11 points apiece for China, which skidded to its sixth defeat against two wins for six points.
The Chinese, who forfeited their first match against France after failing to come up with six players due to health reasons related to Covid-19, won by default of Germany while losing to Argentina and now, Italy.