Three of the four European teams that advanced to the final phase of the 2025 FIVB Men`s Volleyball Nations League have successfully reached the semifinals. Italy, Slovenia, and Poland will continue their quest for the trophy following their decisive victories.
The only team eliminated was France, who lost 1:3 to Slovenia and failed to defend their title won in the previous edition of the tournament.
Slovenia`s Ascent
For the third time in the last five years, Slovenia has reached the semifinals, despite finishing fourth in both 2021 and 2024. Now, this European powerhouse has a genuine chance to compete for medals, having delivered an excellent performance in their quarterfinal match against France.
A 17-point contribution from opposite Tonček Štern propelled Slovenia to a 3:1 victory. They claimed the first set 25:22 but then dropped the second 15:25 against a determined French side. Nevertheless, the Slovenians regained their momentum and proved unstoppable, securing the next two sets 25:19 and 25:18 to clinch the win and their spot in the semifinals.
Poland`s Consistancy
The most decisive victory in the quarterfinals came from another European team, Poland. They managed to shake off a poor finish to the preliminary round and confidently defeated Japan 3:0. The first two sets were hard-fought (25:23 and 26:24), but in the third set, the Polish team simply dominated, finishing it 25:12.
Poland`s opposite, Kewin Sasak, continued to showcase his excellent form in this edition of the FIVB Men`s Volleyball Nations League, scoring 15 points. Tomasz Fornal also made a significant contribution, adding 11 points for the team.
The Polish national team has reached the semifinals of the FIVB Men`s Volleyball Nations League for the sixth consecutive time, securing a medal in each previous appearance: gold in 2023, silver in 2021, and bronze in 2019, 2022, and 2024.
Italy Joins the Fray
In the semifinals, Poland will face Brazil, the team with the best record so far in the 2025 FIVB Men`s Volleyball Nations League—12 wins against a single loss. The other semifinal will be an all-European affair, featuring Slovenia against Italy.
Seeking their maiden title in this competition, Italy, who held the second-best record in the preliminary round, confidently dominated Cuba in the quarterfinals. Outstanding performances from Alessandro Michieletto and Kamil Rychlicki, who combined for 33 points, secured this outcome.
Italy won the first two sets 25:18 and 25:19, then dropped the third set 20:25, but powerfully rebounded in the fourth, taking it 25:21 and winning the match. Thus, the Italians advanced to the semifinals for the third time in history.
Both semifinal matches—between Slovenia and Italy, and Brazil versus Poland—will take place on Saturday, August 2nd. The medal matches are scheduled for August 3rd in Ningbo, China.
Jasper Thornfield 
Finley Blackwood