Yuri Romano steers Italy past Slovenia for third straight win in VNL

Yuri Romano starred as powerhouse Italy swept its way against Slovenia, 25-13. 25-22, 25-17, to extend their streak in the Men's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2023 on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The star opposite hitter dropped 16 points built on 11 attacks, three service aces, and two blocks as the Italians scored their third straight win in the league to improve to 8-3.

Slovenia, meanwhile, dropped to 7-4 following a gutsy four-set triumph over China yesterday.

The duo of Alessandro Michieletto and Daniele Lavia chipped in 13 markers each while Roberto Russo shone in the middle with eight points.

Klemen Cebulj and Tine Urnaut were the bright spots for Slovenia as they listed 13 and 10 points apiece in the loss.

Romano said he's hoping that Italy can carry over the momentum to their game against Japan this Saturday as they look to end the Manila leg with an unscathed record.

"It's a very good performance. We won three matches and we want to win one more," the 25-year-old Romano said in the post-game conference.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News