In a turn of events many didn`t anticipate, Iran secured a crucial victory on the final day of the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Preliminary Phase, maintaining their contention for the last remaining spot in the tournament`s Finals.
Despite beginning the day outside the qualification rankings, Iran achieved a resounding 3-0 (25-17, 25-17, 25-16) triumph against Bulgaria in Gdańsk. This dominant performance significantly elevated their standing in the VNL, placing them in direct competition with Slovenia for the final berth in the Finals, scheduled to take place in Ningbo, China, from July 30 to August 3.
This sweeping straight-sets victory enabled Iran to climb an astonishing seven positions in the Preliminary Phase standings on the concluding day, advancing from 14th to seventh place. However, this win alone does not guarantee their spot in the Finals. With six wins and 19 points, Iran could still be surpassed by Slovenia, who currently hold six wins and 17 points and are yet to face Serbia. Notably, Iran`s win secured Cuba`s qualification, as Cuba now holds six wins and 20 points.
Amin Esmaeilnezhad, the prominent opposite hitter, was a key contributor for Iran, leading the team with an impressive 19 points, comprising 14 kills, four aces, and one block. Outside hitter Amirhossein Esfandiar also delivered a strong all-around display, contributing 14 points through eight kills, four blocks, and two aces.
Head coach Roberto Piazza commented on the team`s approach, stating, “Regardless of our qualification status, our commitment is always to play our best volleyball. We aimed to demonstrate our ability to perform at a high level, even under pressure. I believe our serving was exceptional, and we displayed remarkable discipline in our blocking.”
For Bulgaria, opposite Venislav Antov was the sole player to reach double-digit scoring, accumulating 11 points from nine kills and two blocks. Star outside hitter Aleksandar Nikolov contributed eight points, all from kills.
In Gdańsk, earlier matches saw China overcome Cuba in a thrilling 3-2 (20-25, 25-23, 15-25, 25-22, 19-17) contest. The week`s schedule at the Ergo Arena concludes with a highly anticipated rematch of the Paris 2024 Olympics gold medal game between host nation Poland and France.
Italy Secures Second Place in Preliminary Phase
Meanwhile, in Ljubljana, current world champions Italy easily dispatched the already-relegated Netherlands with a commanding 3-0 (25-13, 25-22, 25-19) victory. This result concludes their Preliminary Phase campaign as the second-best team overall, boasting ten wins and 28 points. Italy is now set to face the seventh-ranked team in the quarterfinals, with Cuba, Iran, and Slovenia as potential opponents.
Luca Porro, an outside hitter, spearheaded Italy`s attack in their final Preliminary Phase game, contributing 14 points (11 kills, two blocks, one ace). Alessandro Bovolenta, an opposite, followed with 11 points (ten kills, one block). For the Netherlands, opposite Michiel Ahyi registered 13 points (12 kills, one block).
Earlier in Ljubljana, Canada secured an upset victory over Ukraine, winning 3-1 (25-21, 25-27, 31-29, 25-21). The host nation, Slovenia, is scheduled to compete against Serbia later at 20:30 local time (18:30 GMT).
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick