Live update: Bulgaria’s comeback keeps the World Championship final alive
The men’s World Championship final in the Philippines delivered a dramatic arc as Bulgaria mounted a late comeback against Italy to claim the third set and stay very much in contention. After a solid start by the Azzurri, Bulgaria recalibrated its defense and attack, with key points from ace serves and sharp counters shaping a tense balance of power in the final stages.
First set: Italy takes control, 25-21
Italy seized the initiative early, moving the ball with pace and precision. A deep parallel and a well-timed dump from Romanò gave Italy a crucial edge, followed by a strong service rhythm that pushed Bulgaria into errors. Bottolo contributed with an effective ace and a decisive attack that helped Italy close the set with a 25-21 score. The Bulgarian libero’s misplay on a bagher ball and Giannelli’s precise blocking kept Italy ahead and set the tone for the opening package of points.
Second set: Italy extends the gap, 25-17
Italy continued with aggressive serving and efficient finishing. The cool-headed play of Anzani on a Giannelli setup and Bottolo’s service pressure helped Italy pull ahead early, and Romanò delivered a decisive diagonale that found the gap in Bulgaria’s defense. A few misfires by Nikolov did little to slow the Italian freight train as Michieletto’s pipe and a Giannelli-assisted finish pushed the set to a comfortable 25-17, restoring a 2-0 lead for the Azzurri and placing them one set from the title match.
Third set: Bulgaria roars back, 14-10, then 22-16
Bulgarian momentum began to build with a powerful attack from Atanasov and a precise ace from Russo’s service rotation, cutting into Italy’s momentum. With De Giorgi calling a timeout, Bulgaria surged to a four-point edge, aided by a timely block that left Bottolo blocked and the scoreline moving in their favor. Nikolov’s consistent attack and a central finish by Petkov preserved the Bulgarian surge, leaving them at 14-10 and later 22-16 as they refused to go quietly into the night. A series of sharp plays and a disciplined defense helped Bulgaria close the gap and force a pivotal shift in the match’s rhythm.
Italy still leads, but Bulgaria stays in it
Italy entered the third set with an already established rhythm, but Bulgaria’s resilience kept the suspense high. An important cameo from Porro for Bottolo offered a momentary spark, yet a block and a missed serve tempered the rookie’s impact. Romanò reasserted Italy’s attacking threat with a diagonal that found room, and Michieletto’s trick shots from the backcourt kept the Italian attack varied. The set’s late scoreboard pressure forced Bulgaria to call for critical responses, and their counterpunch showed enough grit to swing momentum in the match’s direction as the final frames loomed.
The path to the final: Italy’s run and Bulgaria’s dream
Italy’s road to the final began with group-stage wins over Algeria and Ukraine, followed by a narrow loss to Belgium before advancing convincingly in the knockout rounds: Argentina in the octaves, Belgium in the quarters, and a semi-final victory over Poland. Bulgaria superstar Aleksandar Nikolov has been central to their surge, supported by a well-balanced squad and a coaching staff that has revived a 55-year wait for a final appearance.
Before the match, the Italy team gathered for a video call with Daniele Lavia, who was sidelined by a hand injury. The squad’s unity and focus under coach Fefé De Giorgi underscored the mental fortitude shaping this final. Sani, the setter with a knack for clutch aces, contributed two key serves that kept Italy in the fight, while the Italian blockers and Giannelli’s leadership guided the team through moments of pressure.
Why this final matters
For Bulgaria, this is a landmark final after more than half a century, a culmination of Blengini’s steady guidance and a group that has grown into a potent force. For Italy, the current squad offered a blend of experience and fresh energy, signaling a strong bid to reclaim a global title after recent near-misses. As the final acts unfold, volleyball fans are witnessing a narrative of history-in-the-making, precision play, and a match that could redefine the balance of power in men’s volleyball.
Team snapshots and future outlook
As Bulgaria presses on, Italy will look to tighten its serve-receive, minimize unforced errors, and leverage the experience of Giannelli and Romanò in a potential clinching frame. The championship journey continues to surprise and delight fans, with both teams showcasing the depth and talent that define world-class volleyball at its most dramatic moment.
