Defending Champions Iran and Italy Prepare for U21 World Championship Final Rematch

Published 30 Aug 2025

Italy and Iran have successfully advanced to the final of the 2025 FIVB Men`s U21 World Championship, each securing decisive victories in their respective semifinal matches held at the Jiangmen Sports Center on Saturday. These two powerhouse teams are now set for a highly anticipated rematch, with Italy particularly keen to avenge their previous loss to Iran in the 2023 championship. The intense semifinal clashes were just one part of a day filled with thrilling playoff and classification matches, where teams fiercely competed for their ultimate tournament standings.

Finalists` Path and Historical Rivalry

The Men`s U21 World Championship final will once again feature Iran and Italy. Iran enters the match with the goal of defending its current title, while Italy is driven by the desire to retaliate for their defeats in both the 2019 and 2023 finals. Iran initially claimed its first World Championship title in 2019 after a gripping five-set battle against Italy, and successfully retained its crown in 2023 with another hard-fought five-set victory over the Italians. This upcoming final marks Iran`s third appearance, offering them a chance to secure a third championship title. Italy, who secured their only World Championship title in 2021, will be participating in the final for the seventh time, hoping to finally break their two-match losing streak against Iran in recent finals.

Semifinal Showdowns

Iran Dominates USA with a Clean Sweep

Iran delivered a commanding performance in their semifinal, defeating the USA with a clean 3-0 sweep (25-21, 25-20, 25-20). Ali Mombeni was the undisputed leader of the Iranian offense, contributing an impressive 19 points, including 18 attacks and one ace. Armin Ghelichniazi also made a significant impact with 10 points, featuring three crucial blocks. Both Taha Behboudnia and Emran Kook Jili added three blocks each, while Ariyan Mahmoudi Nejad scored eight points. Iran`s defense was formidable throughout the match, effectively stifling any attempts by the USA to build momentum. Although the USA started strongly, gaining an early lead in the first set, Iran swiftly equalized at 16-16 and took control to win the set 25-21, largely due to Mombeni`s seven points. Iran continued its dominance in the second set, pulling ahead after a brief 4-4 tie. Excellent serving and precise attacks allowed Iran to establish an 11-6 lead, ultimately securing the set 25-20. The third set saw a challenge from the USA, who tied the score at 13-13 after a successful review, but Iran quickly regained its lead and finished the match powerfully, winning 25-20.

Italy Secures Convincing Victory Over Czechia

In an earlier semifinal, Italy achieved a convincing 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-18) victory over Czechia. The Italian squad maintained control of the match from the very beginning, executing precise plays across all areas of the court. Tommaso Barotto stood out as Italy`s top scorer, contributing 14 points, which included 13 attacks and one ace. Manuel Zlatanov also played a crucial role, adding 13 points with nine attacks, an ace, and three blocks. Czechia`s key scorer, Tomas Brichta, was limited to just nine points as Italy’s robust defense effectively neutralized his efforts. Italy outperformed Czechia in attacks (34-30), aces (4-3), and blocks (8-3). Their execution was sharp, with every player making significant contributions during critical moments. Captain Lorenzo Magliano added seven points, further enhancing Italy’s well-rounded offensive strategy. Czechia`s attempts to mount a comeback proved unsuccessful, as Italy maintained its consistent dominance throughout, sealing the third set 25-18 for a comprehensive sweep.

Other Playoff and Classification Results

5th-8th Place Playoff

In the matches for 5th-8th place, Poland recovered from their quarterfinal loss with a decisive 3-0 (25-20, 25-20, 25-19) win over Cuba. Wojciech Gajek led Poland`s offense with 20 points, supported by Jakub Kiedos who added 14. Despite Carlos Javier Pereira Larea scoring 14 points for Cuba, Poland`s superior defense and formidable attack secured them a comfortable victory.

France also earned a spot in the fifth-place match by defeating China 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-22). Adrien Roure and Thomas Pujol each contributed 13 points, with France showcasing 46 successful kills and eight blocks. Despite strong performances from China`s Wu Haoze and Gao Yuning, France`s consistency across all aspects of the game ensured they closed out the match in straight sets.

9th-12th Place Playoff

In the playoff for 9th-12th place, Bulgaria emerged victorious over Japan with a 3-1 (25-20, 12-25, 25-17, 25-22) score. Bulgaria claimed the first set 25-20, but Japan responded emphatically with a dominant 25-12 win in the second set. Bulgaria then regained control in the third and sealed their victory in the fourth. Zhasmin Velichkov led Bulgaria with 19 attacks and five blocks, while Japan`s Takuma Kawano and Shunta Ono concluded with 18 and 16 points, respectively.

Ukraine secured a 3-1 (25-22, 25-23, 25-27, 25-18) victory over Korea in the contest for 9th place. Ukraine`s well-balanced offense and defense, spearheaded by Maksym Tokonoh and Yaroslav Horobets, proved overwhelming for Korea, despite strong efforts from Cho Deukjin and Park Wooyoung.

Kazakhstan staged an impressive comeback to defeat Argentina 3-2 (26-28, 25-21, 18-25, 26-24, 15-11). Klim Ryukhov contributed 24 points, playing a pivotal role in Kazakhstan`s recovery after a setback in the third set. Argentina`s Fausto Diaz scored an impressive 30 points, but it was not enough to secure the win, as Kazakhstan`s cohesive team effort saw them through in the tiebreak.

13th Place Match

Egypt advanced to the 13th-place playoff with a 3-1 (25-22, 25-19, 20-25, 25-22) victory over Türkiye. Despite being slightly outmatched in attack, Egypt`s formidable defense, highlighted by seven blocks from Ibrahim Abdelmaksood, played a crucial role in closing out the match in four sets.

17th Place Final

In the 17th-place final, Canada staged a remarkable comeback from a 2-1 deficit to defeat Brazil 3-2 (23-25, 25-20, 26-28, 25-20, 18-16). Owen Harris led Canada with 19 points, while Zachary Yewchuk contributed 15, including five crucial blocks. Despite Bryan Lucas Alves da Silva`s impressive 32 points, Canada`s comprehensive team play secured their comeback victory.

19th Place Final

Indonesia secured 19th place with an exciting 3-1 (25-23, 25-13, 20-25, 29-27) victory over Thailand. Dawuda Alaihimas Salam and Muhammad Haikal Hidayatullah both delivered strong 20-point performances, with Dawuda contributing 23 attacks and one block.

21st Place Final

Colombia clinched 21st place with a 3-1 (25-22, 25-17, 23-25, 25-23) victory against Puerto Rico. Maicol Isaac Ortiz Castañeda`s eight aces were central to Colombia`s dominant serving game, while Puerto Rico`s Ramon Andres Rosado Pineda contributed 24 points in a losing effort.

23rd Place Final

Morocco secured 23rd place with a thrilling 3-2 (27-25, 24-26, 25-23, 22-25, 15-12) victory over Tunisia in a tense all-African derby. Anas El Moufakkir led Morocco with 28 points, including six blocks, while Tunisia`s Rasem Ksouda scored 15 points. Morocco`s well-rounded performance and resilience helped them clinch the win in the tiebreak.