Italy outlasts Cuba in four-set Nations League thriller

The 2026 FIVB Volleyball Men’s Nations League continued its high-octane pace on July 19 as Italy dispatched Cuba 3-1 (25-20, 23-25, 25-18, 25-21) in a gripping encounter at the PalaLottomatica in Rome. The Azzurri showcased their trademark tactical discipline and depth, handing the young Cuban squad a lesson in closing out tight sets.

Match Overview

Italy entered the match as one of the tournament favourites, boasting a blend of seasoned pros and rising stars. Cuba, known for their explosive athleticism and raw power, came out swinging. The first set was tightly contested until Italy’s block-and-defence system kicked into gear, allowing them to pull away late. Cuba responded brilliantly in the second set, using sharp serving and quick middle attacks to level the match. But Italy’s superior reception and transition play proved decisive in sets three and four.

Key Moments

• Set 1 (25-20): Italy’s captain, Simone Giannelli, orchestrated a series of quick combinations to bypass Cuba’s tall block. A crucial 3-0 run at 20-17 broke Cuban resistance.
• Set 2 (23-25): Cuba’s outside hitter, Miguel Ángel López, found his range, hammering four kills in the final stretch. Italy fought off two set points but couldn’t prevent the Caribbean side from levelling.
• Set 3 (25-18): Italy’s head coach, Ferdinando De Giorgi, shuffled his lineup, inserting middle blocker Gianluca Galassi. The move paid off immediately with two blocks and a quick kill, sparking a 7-1 run that sealed the set.
• Set 4 (25-21): With Cuba trailing 20-18, a controversial net touch call went against them, and Italy never looked back. Yuri Romanò delivered an ace to finish the match.

Tactical Story

Italy relied on a balanced attack, spreading the offence between Romanò (18 points), Alessandro Michieletto (15), and Galassi (12). Their serve-and-block strategy neutralised Cuba’s primary weapon: the power jump serve. Cuba committed 12 unforced errors in sets three and four alone. Italy’s disciplined floor defence, anchored by libero Fabio Balaso, frustrated Cuban hitters and turned rallies into extended exchanges where Italy’s patience won out.

Standout Players

• Yuri Romanò (Italy): The opposite hitter led all scorers with 18 points, including two aces and three blocks. His ability to score from both the front and back rows was crucial.
• Miguel Ángel López (Cuba): Despite the loss, the outside hitter notched 16 points and was a constant threat from the left side. His defensive digs kept several rallies alive.
• Fabio Balaso (Italy): The libero recorded a 70% positive reception rate and dug nine hard-driven balls, setting up Italy’s transition game.

Season Impact

The win moved Italy to 6-2 in the Nations League standings, keeping them firmly in the top four and on track for the Final Round. Cuba, now 3-5, saw their playoff hopes take a blow but remain in contention thanks to a strong early-season run. The two sides are scheduled to meet again in pool play in two weeks, a rematch that could have significant implications for the knockout stages.