Italy fought its way to victory over the U.S. men's volleyball team Friday in Rio to earn a trip to the final.
Team USA looked to be in complete control after winning the third set convincingly, 25-9, to take a 2-1 set lead. But Italy was not perturbed. It rallied to win the next two sets by using demanding play around the net.
MORE: Team USA expresses itself in Rio
Ivan Zaytsev led Italy with 21 points, 15 of which came via spikes. Filippo Lanza added 16 points, 15 from spikes.
Despite the poor third set, Italy looked as if it was in control throughout much of the semifinal clash. After falling behind 2-1, Italy battled back to win the fourth set, 25-22, then the fifth set, 15-9. Italy used its power to wear down a tired U.S. team in the final two sets.
Matt Anderson did a bit of everything for the U.S. He led the team with 25 points, 18 from spikes, but he also scored five off serves and two from blocks. Max Holt added 16 points, and Aaron Russell scored 14 points, all via spikes.
The U.S. has a chance to win a medal when it faces off against the loser of Friday night's other semifinal match between Russia and Brazil.