Finland Advances to Semifinals as Italy Bows Out in Thrilling Quarterfinal Match

Coach De Giorgi's starting lineup mirrored the one from the round of 16: Giannelli at setter, Romanò as opposite, Lavia and Bottolo on the wings, Sanguinetti and Mati as middle blockers, with Balaso as libero.

Finland, coached by Kunnari, fielded Valimaa at setter, Jokela as opposite, Martilla L. and Martilla N. as outside hitters, Haapaniemi and Savonsalmi at middle blocker, and Koykka as libero.

The Palavela arena hosted 8,260 spectators, including notable figures like Antonio Conte, Juventus executive Giorgio Chiellini, and player Andrea Cambiaso. Gaetano Scirea's widow and son were also in attendance.

Italy started strong, taking an early 3-0 lead. Lavia's attack extended the lead to 6-3. Finland kept pace through their outside hitters, trailing 10-8 and 11-10. An ace from Romanò restored Italy's three-point advantage (13-10), prompting Finland's Kunnari to call the first timeout. Finland's Nooa Martilla followed with an ace, and an error by Bottolo leveled the score at 14-14. De Giorgi then used a timeout. The set remained tight at 17-17 and 18-18 until a "monster block" by Mati put Italy up 20-18, followed by another point from him for a 21-18 lead. Italy secured the first set 25-21 in 28 minutes. Romanò led Italy with 8 points, including 2 aces.

Finland began the second set aggressively, leading 5-2. Giannelli's attack tied the score at 7-7. Finland regained the lead at 9-11. Lavia's ace leveled the score again at 14-14, and the same player gave Italy a 17-16 advantage. Balaso made several impressive defensive plays. The set continued neck-and-neck, reaching 20-20. Sani replaced Sanguinetti for service. Michieletto came in for Bottolo at 22-22, and it was Michieletto who tied the score at 23-23. Sbertoli served for Mati, but Finland won the set 28-26 after a hard-fought battle.

Finland dominated the third set, leading 3-1 and extending it to 2-5. Galassi replaced Mati at middle blocker and scored immediately, making it 3-6. Finland continued to score crucial points, leading 3-9 and forcing Italy to call a timeout. Luca Porro replaced Daniele Lavia. Italy fought back, reducing the deficit to 6-10. Michieletto re-entered for Bottolo and scored to make it 8-11. Finland maintained their lead throughout the set, with Tyynismaa closing it out 25-16.

In the fourth set, Italy established an early lead at 5-2 and 6-3. Sanguinetti's block extended the lead to 7-5. Lavia scored a spectacular point for 8-6, followed by an ace from Sanguinetti for a 9-6 lead. Romanò, set by Giannelli, scored for 10-7. Jokela's attack brought Finland within one at 10-11, and Haapaniemi's ace tied the score at 11-11. Bottolo put Italy ahead 15-13. Italy held a two-point lead at 18-16, 19-17, and 20-18. Sani served for Galassi. Giannelli's ace gave Italy a 22-19 advantage, and Sanguinetti's block made it 24-19. Bottolo closed out the set 25-20.

In the deciding tie-break, Italy started well at 4-2, but Finland ultimately won the set 15-13, securing their place in the semifinals.