The USA and defending champion Poland advanced to the semifinals of the FIVB Men's Volleyball Nations League Finals, following quarterfinal victories in Ningbo, China, on Thursday.

The sixth-ranked USA swept past second-ranked Italy 25-22, 25-21, 25-21 to reach the last four for the fifth time. A dominant serving display proved decisive, as the Americans finished with 14 aces against last year's runners-up.

The USA took control early with aggressive serving, claiming the first two sets before Italy threatened to rally in the third. Trailing 15-10, the Americans responded with a six-point run powered by strong serving and attacking to pull away and complete the straight-sets victory.

Opposite hitter Jake Hanes led all scorers with 21 points, including six aces.

"I think we all did a good job of trying to stay aggressive against a really good sideout team," Hanes said. "We had to come together and hit some good serves, and it ended up working out for us."

Italian opposite hitter Yuri Romano scored a team-high 16 points, but felt his side struggled to cope with the USA's serving.

"They are a strong team; we know that. They played well. I think we also played quite well, but the problem was with reception," Romano lamented. "When we played the ball, we were good, but we allowed too many aces. When you don't hold your sideout, it's difficult."

The USA will next face Japan, which surged into the last four on a 13-match winning streak.

In Thursday's other quarterfinal contest, top-ranked Poland defeated Ukraine 25-22, 22-25, 25-20, 25-17 to set up a semifinal against Slovenia on Saturday.