Italy’s women win first Olympic volleyball gold in straight sets against USA

In their first-ever final at the Olympic Games, Italy’s women defeated reigning champions USA in straight sets to clinch the gold medal at the Paris 2024 on Sunday 11 August.

Taking an early and commanding lead, the Europeans wrapped up the contest 25-18, 25-20, 25-17, denying the chance for the US to defend their title.

The Italians, who’s previous best finish at an Olympic Games was fifth place, cruised all the way to the top of the podium without losing a set since their first game of the tournament against the Dominican Republic, where they fell short in the second before dominating 17 straight sets.

“It feels special,” said Italy’s Monica de Gennaro about making history for her country. “It’s the dream of every player to play in the final of the Olympics and win it.”

“It is something unique. We worked so hard for so many years to be able to reach this final,” she added.

Gennaro, a 37-year-old four-time Olympian, has received the ultimate fruit of her labour in the form of an Olympic gold medal and to celebrate, her team tossed her into the air.

“It means everything,” Alessia Orro said. “Behind there’s a lot of hard work, a lot of sweat, many sacrifices, and many disappointments that have brought us this far. They made us take this path, they made us win the gold.”

The United States, who were unable the match the dominance that the Italians established in Paris, will take the silver in a “bittersweet” fashion, according to USA’s Jordyn Poulter, who was on the gold medal team in Tokyo.

“It is bittersweet, but mostly sweet,” she said.

“Not the colour we wanted, but hardware is hardware. I’m so proud of this group. Italy played an incredible match. They are a great team and had a great summer. I’m proud to share the floor with them.”

Brazil joined the United States and Italy on the podium after defeating Türkiye 3-1 in the bronze medal match on Saturday.