World No. 1 Italy will make its maiden Olympic finals appearance after securing another straight-set victory over fourth-ranked Turkiye, which it also beat in pool play, in Paris 2024 women's volleyball.
Italy swept Turkiye, 25-22, 25-19, 25-22, to secure its first Olympic finals appearance in Paris 2024 on Friday, August 9 (Philippine time).
The World No. 1 Italians will thus take on defending champion USA in the gold medal match.
The Americans earlier prevailed in its own semifinal battle in contrasting fashion, squeaking past Brazil, 25-23, 18-25, 25-15, 23-25, 15-11.
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But Türkiye and Brazil will each try to salvage their campaign as they face off for the bronze.
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Paola Egonu fired 21 attacks she topped with two aces and a block to lead Italy with 24 points.
Myriam Sylla swung 11 hits for 12 points while Sarah Fahr turned in nine points as she accounted for four of the team's 11 blocks.
Melissa Vargas was the lone Turkish player in double figures, finishing with 17 points all on attacks. Derya Cebecioglu and Eda Erdem backed her up with seven points each.
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Italy nearly saw its 21-17 lead evaporate in the first set as Turkiye clawed to within one, 20-21. But Egonu, Sylla and Anna Danesi restored order for the reigning VNL champion to gain the headstart.
The Italians once again toughened it up late in the second, breaking free from an 18-all standoff on a 7-1 closing tear anchored on Sylla and Ekaterina Antropova.
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The Turkish side held on to hope as they were up by three, 15-18, in the third. But as in the first two sets, Italy was just the steadier team in the end.