Italy sweeps crowd favorite Japan to wrap up PH leg

Italy’s Sarah Luisa Fahr and Ekaterina Antropova react during a win over Japan in the Women’s VNL Week 2 at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion Italy dominated crowd favorite Japan, 25-21, 25-23, 25-18, in the Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Week 2 on Sunday night at Philsports Arena.

Despite most of the Filipino crowd rooting for the Japanese, the Italians flexed their muscles and showed the heart of a champion to end their Philippine leg with a bang.

READ: VNL Week 2: USA sweeps Italy in clash of champions

Carlotta Cambi on Italy’s experience in VNL Philippine leg. #BePartoftheGame @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/m7Pg6VYCKN

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 21, 2026

The 6-foot-8 Kate Antropova was nearly unstoppable with 17 points off 15 kills, one block, and an ace to improve to a 6-2 record, bouncing back from their straight-set loss to USA on Saturday.

Stella Nervini and Oghosasere Loveth Omoruyi chipped in 10 points each, while Sarah Fahr added nine, with Carlotta Cambi pacing the squad 

“Very great match, we are so aggressive and we prepared the match very well so I’m very proud of my team, of all my team,” said Cambi.

“We are pushing with more energy now, so we are proud of the Italians. [The fans cheering for Japan] is not a problem. I prefer that the crowd is full of people, even if the crowd is for Japanese people.”

READ: VNL Week 2: Italy survives Serbia scare, stays unbeaten in Manila

Kate Antropova after leading Italy’s sweep of Japan. #BePartoftheGame @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/MHdzVDp1dP

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 21, 2026

Italy squandered a 23-20 lead in the second with consecutive attack errors that allowed the Japanese to tie the frame. Fahr came to the rescue to stop the bleeding before Antropova delivered a booming ace that gave the reigning titlist a two-set lead.

Mayu Ishikawa powered the Japanese with 12 points, all from attacks. Nichika Yamada had 11 points, while Yukiko Wada and Yoshino Sato added nine each.

Japan ended its Pasig stint losing its last two games, including a tough loss to the Dominican Republic as it slid to 6-2.