Warsaw, July 28 -- Italy retained its FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) title in Lodz, Poland, rallying from a set down to defeat Brazil 3-1 in the championship final.
Opposite Ekaterina Antropova led Italy with a match-high 18 points, including 13 kills, four blocks and one ace on Sunday evening.
Outside hitter Myriam Sylla added 16 points, while Gabriela Guimaraes paced Brazil with 15 points.
The reigning Olympic champion, coached by veteran Julio Velasco, has now extended its winning streak to 29 matches. Italy looked set to claim the opening set after building a 19-15 lead, but Brazil responded with six consecutive points.
A spike by Guimaraes and a block from Julia Gambatto Kudiess gave Brazil set point, and Guimarae...