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- October 13, 202619°
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Italy Falls to France in Five Sets: Exciting Start to the Nations League
Italy lost 3-2 to France in the opening match of the 2026 Nations League. Despite Kamil Rychlicki’s 30 points, it wasn’t enough in the five-set battle, as France secured a victory highlighted by their young talents.
The volleyball match between Italy and France turned into another thrilling encounter at the start of the 2026 Nations League. France won the five-set match 3-2 with scores of 25-19, 27-29, 25-23, 23-25, and 14-16.
This result revealed the condition of both teams at the beginning of the new season. Both teams combined experience and youth on the court, exchanging dominance throughout much of the game.
Rychlicki and Bottolo Stand Out for Italy
In Ferdinando De Giorgi’s team, Kamil Rychlicki was Italy’s most productive player. The Italian-Luxembourgish spiker finished the match with 30 points, keeping his team competitive in many phases.
Mattia Bottolo took on the captaincy in Giannelli’s absence and contributed important points. Middle blocker Sanguinetti and setter Paolo Porro were also key in maintaining Italy’s structure.
Italy’s play was more organized in the first set. With the impact of Bottolo and Rychlicki, they opened a gap and closed the set 25-19 in their favor. However, in the following sets, the match turned into a balanced battle marked by mutual errors and long rallies.
Rychlicki’s 10 points in the second set were not enough. A late mistake gave France the set, leveling the match.
France Responds with Young Talents
On France’s side, Boyer and Clevenot led as the more experienced players. However, the standout performances came from young setter Tizi-Oualou and 2007-born Iyegbekedo.
In a match where Brizard recently joined the team and space was made for Tizi-Oualou, Iyegbekedo, fielded by Giani, scored 12 points. The young player especially excelled in blocking, recording 8 block points.
In the third set, Pardo Mati’s impact gave Italy renewed hope. Mati stood out in serving and blocking, trying to balance the match. However, France did not let go during critical moments of the sets.
The fourth set also featured long rallies and constantly shifting leads. Italy won this set 25-23, pushing the match to a tie-break.
France Seals Victory in the Tie-Break
In the deciding set, Italy tried to take the lead with Luca Porro, Mati, and Rychlicki. France responded through Boyer and Iyegbekedo.
In the final moments, points from Boyer and Clevenot put France ahead. Italy failed to convert match points, and France secured the win with a 16-14 advantage in the fifth set.
This match was one of Italy’s first serious tests of the new season. France started the tournament on a high note, winning their tough opening match with a squad boosted by young players.
Italy will face Germany again today at 22:00.
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