Cuba defeats Italy 3-2 in volleyball friendly in Messina

The Italian men's national volleyball team suffered a 3-2 defeat against Cuba in a friendly match held at the PalaRescifina in Messina. The match, part of the FIPAV Cup Men Elite, saw Italy take an early 2-1 lead in sets before Cuba mounted a comeback to win with scores of 25-22, 21-25, 16-25, 25-19, and 15-13.

Head coach Ferdinando De Giorgi utilized the match to test new talent, marking the senior national team debut of young setter Bryan Argilagos. Yuri Romanò led the Italian scoring with 20 points, while Cuba's Yant contributed 22 points to secure the victory.

This match serves as a penultimate preparation step for the upcoming European Championships, which are scheduled to begin in September. Italy is set to play its final test match of the FIPAV Cup against Brazil on August 30.