The US men came into the World League gold-medal match ranked three places below their South American rivals.

However, 24 points by outside spiker Taylor Sanders saw them battle through to a impressive four sets (31-29, 21-25, 25-20, 25-23) victory in front of a 9,000 capacity crowd inside the Nelson Mandela Forum in Florence, Italy today.

Sander's 24 points were added to by Matt Anderson who recorded an impressive 23, although it was middle blocker David Lee who, with a finals high seven blocks, was the talisman in the win for the Americans.

"It's unbelievable, unbelievable - I am lost for words," said tournament Best Blocker David Lee after getting his gold medal.

"I'm feeling fantastic.

"We are a great team and our players are very young.

"Taylor Sander played an amazing game.

"Guys like him are the future.

"Tonight really couldn't have worked better."

America's David Lee was an inspiration for his team in the final, securing a match-high seven blocks to lead the American's to gold ©Getty Images



The victory was a second for the US in a World League final following victory against Serbia in the 2008.

It breaks a three-game losing streak at the hands of Brazil, who took silver at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The Brazilians were also forced to settle for silver in Beijing in 2008 after a gold-medal final loss to the Americans.

Today's win in Italy ensures the US became the fourth team to win multiple World League titles, with Brazil topping the leaderboard on nine, Italy one behind on eight and Russia on three.

Earlier in the day, Italy secured their fourth World League bronze medal with a 3-0 (25-22, 25-28, 25-22) win over Iran.

Despite the loss, Iran should travel home with their heads held high as their fourth place finish is a highest ever for the team after placing ninth in their debut season in 2013.

Iran's Amir Ghafour also finished the tournament as top points scorer with 71, five ahead of America's Sander and seven ahead of Sander's team mate Anderson.

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