VNL: Italy survives Canada behind Alessandro Michieletto’s heroics

Italy in the VNL Manila leg. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Alessandro Michieletto powered Italy past gritty Canada in five sets, 25-14, 23-25, 25-20, 23-25, 15-9, in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) men’s tournament Week 3 on Thursday at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Italians blew a 2-1 match advantage and a 23-21 lead in the fourth as the Canadians scored four straight points to force a decider.

Michieletto came to the rescue in the fifth set for a 4-0 start and the Italians never looked back for their second win in the crucial Manila leg.

Italy, which stunned Brazil with a 23-25, 25-20, 25-15, 25-21 result on Tuesday, tied the latter with a 7-3 record but the Brazilian still holds the third seed with 22 points — two points ahead of the former.

The Italians will continue to boost their bid to reach the eight-team finals in Poland from July 19 to 24 as they take on Slovenia on Friday;

Michieletto finished with 18 points built on 14 attacks, three blocks, and an ace. Gianluca Galassi and Yuri Romano also rose to the occasion for the Italians with 17 points each, as Roberto Russo and Daniele Lavia added 15 and 10 points, respectively.

Ryan Joseph Sclater led Canada’s gallant stand with 22 points but they absorbed their second straight loss in Week 3, sliding to a 2-8 card in the 13th spot.

Canada battles world No.1 Poland on Saturday.