The Olympic men’s volleyball bronze medal match was a clash of titans, with the USA and Italy battling fiercely for a spot on the podium. In a match that showcased the heart and determination of both teams, the USA emerged victorious with a hard-fought 3:0 (25-23, 30-28, 26-24) win.
Match Team Stats
Team | Attack | Block | Serve | Opponent Errors | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Italy | 47 | 5 | 5 | 18 | 75 |
USA | 45 | 9 | 2 | 25 | 81 |
Match Skills
Team | Dig | Reception | Set |
---|---|---|---|
Italy | 71 | 66 | 99 |
USA | 73 | 58 | 97 |

The match was a nail-biter from start to finish, with neither team willing to give an inch. Italy, fueled by the disappointment of their semifinal loss, came out swinging, pushing the USA to the brink in every set. Michieletto and Romanò led the Italian charge, showcasing their exceptional skills and fighting spirit.

Personal stats: Italy
Player Name | Position | Points | Attacks | Blocks | Serves |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Michieletto | OH | 17 | 16 | 0 | 1 |
Romanò | O | 17 | 17 | 0 | 0 |
Lavia | OH | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
Galassi | MB | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Russo | MB | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 |

However, the USA, determined to end their Olympic campaign on a high note, refused to back down. They matched Italy’s intensity, point for point, with Russell and Defalco delivering clutch performances when it mattered most. The American middle blockers, Holt and Averill, were also instrumental in shutting down the Italian attack.
Personal stats: USA
Player Name | Position | Points | Attacks | Blocks | Serves |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Russell | OH | 15 | 11 | 3 | 1 |
Defalco | OH | 12 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
Holt | MB | 11 | 6 | 4 | 1 |
Anderson | O | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
Averill | MB | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
The final set was a true test of nerves, with both teams trading blows and the lead changing hands multiple times. In the end, it was the USA who managed to hold their nerve, securing the final point and erupting in celebration as they claimed the bronze medal.

USA’s Redemption
This hard-fought victory brings a sense of redemption for the USA, who narrowly missed out on a spot in the finals. They leave the Olympic tournament with their heads held high, having showcased their resilience and determination on the world’s biggest stage. For Italy, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow, but they can be proud of their performance throughout the tournament.