The United States men’s volleyball team went into Friday’s Olympic semifinal against Italy looking to avenge losses in the group stage and the 2012 Games.
In an often enthralling match, the United States couldn’t get it done. In a game with so much back-and-forth, it would be Italy who won the critical fifth set in a 30-28, 26-28, 9-25, 25-22, 15-9 win.
The Italians advance to face the winner of Brazil and Russia in Sunday’s gold medal game, with USA facing the loser for bronze. The U.S. fails in its bid to reclaim Olympic gold after failing to medal in 2012 (They’ve won gold in 1984, 1988, and 2008).