Paris. Italy defeated the United States in straight sets 25-18, 25-20, 25-17 to claim the gold medal in women’s volleyball at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on Sunday.
Throughout the tournament, the Europeans barely dropped a set, reflecting how dominant they were throughout the competition.
For Italy, ranked number one, it is their first Olympic medal in this sport. The Americans, meanwhile, will return home disappointed after winning gold at Tokyo 2020.
This is undoubtedly a historic victory for Italy, whose best Olympic result had been a fifth place.
The Europeans’ triumph came in front of a boisterous crowd at the Paris South Arena, where many fans waved flags from both countries. People danced and cheered as the Italians cruised to a decisive victory.
When Italy scored the final point, many of the players collapsed on the court and then began hugging each other. They then tossed veteran Monica De Gennaro, a 37-year-old four-time Olympian, into the air.
The Americans’ silver medal gives them their seventh Olympic medal and makes them the country with the most podium finishes in this sport.
Italy swept Turkey in straight sets to reach the final, while the United States battled Brazil in a dramatic five-set match.
U.S. coach Karch Kiraly changed the lineup after the five-set loss to China on July 29, early in the group stage. He benched veterans Jordan Larson and Kelsey Robinson Cook and replaced them with Avery Skinner and Kathryn Plummer.
The decision worked, and the United States defeated Serbia in its next match. But on Sunday, it was not enough to overcome the powerful Italian team and repeat as champions.
In the duel for third place, held on Saturday, the Brazilians defeated the Turks to take bronze.
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– 2024-08-15 08:36:15
