Italy vs France

France's resistance in the third set — leading 18-16 — was the closest they came to forcing a fourth set. But Italy's block readjusted at the crucial moment, with Mosca and Crosato combining for two successive stuff blocks. That sequence sparked a momentum shift that France never recovered from, turning an 18-16 deficit into a 21-19 lead in the space of four points.

• Federico Roberti (Italy): The Trentino Volley opposite was the most consistent attacker on the floor, converting at high efficiency and drawing multiple French double-blocks.
• Leandro Aussibio Mosca (Italy): A commanding presence at the net, Mosca's blocking disrupted France's rhythm throughout, particularly in the pivotal third-set turnaround.
• Francesco D'Amico (Italy): The Verona Volley outside hitter provided timely kills in the second set and was flawless in reception, giving Italy stability in serve receive.
• Tim Held (Italy): The Padova setter orchestrated the offence with sharp distribution and chipped in with key serves.

Player of the Match: Leandro Aussibio Mosca — his blocking was the single biggest factor in neutralising France's attack.

The provider data shows a clean 3-0 scoreline, but the set scores — particularly 25-23 in the third — reveal a match closer than the sweep suggests. Italy's block was decisive: the ability to score consecutive stuff blocks at 18-16 in the third set was the defining stat of the evening. France had their best phase in that third set, outplaying Italy from the service line until the home side's block reasserted control.

Italy finish Pool A with an unbeaten record heading into the semifinals on 29 August. The Azzurri will face the runner-up from Pool B — likely Spain, Turkey or Greece — on Saturday for a place in the gold-medal match on 30 August at the PalaMazzola. France, having advanced as one of the top teams from Group A, will play a separate semifinal against the Pool B winners.

Italy's form through the group stage has built steadily, and this straight-sets victory over a France side that featured several SuperLega-based players sends a clear message to the remaining contenders.

Italy were the sharper side from start to finish, and the 3-0 scoreline fairly reflects their superiority. France's third-set surge showed their quality, but the Azzurri's composure under pressure and Mosca's blocking turned the decisive moment. Italy look like the team to beat heading into the knockout rounds.