Italy defeats China in straight sets to reach quarterfinals at women's volleyball worlds

Anna Danesi (R) of Italy competes during the Phase 2 Pool E match between China and Italy at the 2022 Volleyball Women's World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 8, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

ROTTERDAM, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Italy concluded their group stage campaign at the Women's Volleyball World Championship by beating China 26-24, 25-16, 25-20 here on Saturday, securing the top place in the pool and a spot in the quarterfinals.

Opposite Paola Egonu, the top scorer for the Italian team, swept 27 points to lead the Nations League champions to victory in a rematch of the semifinal of the 2018 World Championship when Italy advanced to the final after a five-set thriller.

Middle blocker Anna Danesi added 12 points for Italy, while outside hitter Wang Yunlu led the charge for China with 11.

China stayed in fourth place in the pool and could also advance to the last eight if they beat Belgium in their last group match on Sunday. 

Yuan Xinyue (R) of Italy reacts after the Phase 2 Pool E match between China and Italy at the 2022 Volleyball Women's World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 8, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Players of Italy celebrate scoring during the Phase 2 Pool E match between China and Italy at the 2022 Volleyball Women's World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 8, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Cai Bin (1st R), head coach of China, instructs players during the Phase 2 Pool E match between China and Italy at the 2022 Volleyball Women's World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 8, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Anna Danesi (R) and Paola Ogechi Egonu of Italy block the ball during the Phase 2 Pool E match between China and Italy at the 2022 Volleyball Women's World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 8, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Players of China celebrate scoring during the Phase 2 Pool E match between China and Italy at the 2022 Volleyball Women's World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 8, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Li Yingying (front L) of China high-fives with teammates before the Phase 2 Pool E match between China and Italy at the 2022 Volleyball Women's World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 8, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Paola Ogechi Egonu of Italy competes during the Phase 2 Pool E match between China and Italy at the 2022 Volleyball Women's World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 8, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Yuan Xinyue (front R) of China celebrates scoring during the Phase 2 Pool E match between China and Italy at the 2022 Volleyball Women's World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 8, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Cai Bin, head coach of China, gestures during the Phase 2 Pool E match between China and Italy at the 2022 Volleyball Women's World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 8, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Yuan Xinyue (R) of China spikes the ball during the Phase 2 Pool E match between China and Italy at the 2022 Volleyball Women's World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 8, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Paola Ogechi Egonu (top) of Italy competes during the Phase 2 Pool E match between China and Italy at the 2022 Volleyball Women's World Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 8, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)