A relatively young China’s women’s volleyball team pushed reigning champions Italy all the way before losing 3-2 in a five-set thriller to conclude their Nations League regular season in Hong Kong on Sunday.Three-time champions Italy, who also triumphed in Ankara and Bangkok in 2022 and 2024, were in control almost from the start, and took the first set 25-19.Playing in front of the roaring, sold-out crowd of 9,583 spectators at Kai Tak Arena, Zhao Yong’s side, who boasts an average age of 23.1 years – more than three years younger than the opponents – played much better after a slow start.The world No 7 side led by as many as six and five points in the second and third set and won 25-21, 25-22 to turn the momentum and the match around.World No 1 Italy showed their tremendous firepower with a double-digit lead in the fourth set to drag the match into the decider.China’s Wang Mengjie celebrates a point against Italy. Photo: Karma LoThere was no shortage of drama in the fifth set, with China surging to an early lead, but the Italians drew level at 7-7, before taking a 12-9 lead. It proved to be a gap too far as Italy held on to win 15-12 in the deciding set.