Italy seals final with a dominant straight-sets win over Poland
The Azzurri kept their title defence very much alive on Saturday, advancing to the final of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in the Philippines with a commanding 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-23) victory over Poland. In a clash of the world’s top teams, Italy asserted their authority from the start and never allowed the world number one squad to seize the initiative, setting up a long-awaited showdown against Bulgaria in the final.
As the tournament edges closer to its climax, Italy’s bid to win back-to-back crowns is within reach. The triumph also keeps the Azzurri on track to climb the all-time list, where the Soviet Union still holds six titles as the benchmark of men’s volleyball greatness. A win in the final would mark a historic milestone for Italian volleyball and would cap a near-perfect run across the tournament’s most challenging stage.
How the semi-final unfolded
The semi-final pitted Italy and Poland—the two most highly ranked teams in the world—against each other in a repeat of the 2022 final. Italy seized the early momentum, taking the first set 25-21 as their serve pressure and efficient attacking made life difficult for Poland’s defense. The second set swung back-and-forth, with the Azzurri edging ahead late to claim a 25-22 win and take a 2-0 lead into the next frame.
The third set looked ready to tilt in Poland’s favour as they jumped to a 4-1 lead and sought to swing the match in their direction. But Italy showed resilience, turning the tide at a critical juncture. The teams reached 18-18, and Italy moved ahead for the first time in the set at 21-22. From there, the Azzurri completed the straight-sets victory, delivering a final statement on their championship ambitions and sealing a place in the final for a shot at the title defense.
Bulgarian journey to the final and the looming title clash
On the other side of the bracket, Bulgaria reached the championship match for the first time since they hosted the tournament in 1970, after a 3-1 win over Czechia (25-20, 23-25, 25-21, 25-22). Their performance has captured the imagination of volleyball fans, highlighting how this event continues to produce stories beyond traditional powers. If Bulgaria can topple Italy, it would mark a historic upset and rewrite the narrative of the World Championship final for 2025.
A historic prospect: back-to-back crowns and all-time glory
Italy’s push to win consecutive world titles would be a rare feat, the first time since the late 1990s. It would also boost their standing in the all-time rankings, inching closer to the six titles claimed by the Soviet Union. The 2025 final will be a clash of a nation seeking to reaffirm its era of dominance and a Bulgaria team that has defied expectations by reaching the final for the first time in decades.
What to watch for in the final
Both teams arrive with different but equally compelling case studies: Italy, a long-established volleyball powerhouse looking to finish a campaign that began with high expectations; and Bulgaria, a surprise package riding momentum and confidence into a historic final. The final at the Philippines venue promises a mix of relentless serving, tactical precision, and high-intensity rallies as the two sides battle for volleyball supremacy in 2025.
