Italy`s women`s national volleyball team, currently leading the FIVB World Rankings, reaffirmed their supremacy in international volleyball by claiming their third consecutive major championship. They secured the gold medal at the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) finals held in Łódź, Poland.
The reigning Olympic champions, Italy, clinched their third VNL title, adding to their victories in 2022 and 2024. In a gripping final at the packed Atlas Arena, they came from behind to defeat Brazil 3-1 (22-25, 25-18, 25-22, 25-22).
Extending their remarkable undefeated streak to 29 international matches, the Italian squad solidified their position as the world`s top-ranked team. Their rise to the summit followed triumphs at the 2024 VNL and Paris Olympics. They demonstrated unparalleled perfection in the 2025 VNL campaign, capturing the title with an impressive 15 wins and only eight sets dropped throughout the tournament.
Head coach Julio Velasco commented on the challenging final, stating, “The gold medal match was incredibly tough, and Brazil showed immense resilience.” He added, “While we didn`t play our absolute best volleyball, our continuous fight and the significant impact of our bench players made the difference. I am extremely proud of this squad. They possess not only immense talent but also an outstanding mindset and a dedication to daily hard work.”
Italy now stands as only the second national team to secure three women`s VNL titles, a feat previously achieved by the United States (winners in 2018, 2019, and 2021). Türkiye claimed the title in 2023. Meanwhile, Brazil holds the distinction of being the sole team with four VNL medals, earning silver in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2025.
A core group of eight players has been integral to all three of Italy`s VNL championship victories: setter Alessia Orro, opposite Paola Egonu, outside hitters Myriam Sylla, Alice Degradi, and Loveth Omoruyi, middle blocker Anna Danesi, and liberos Monica De Gennaro and Eleonora Fersino.
Ekaterina Antropova, coming off the bench to substitute Paris Olympics MVP Paola Egonu, delivered an outstanding performance in the final, tallying an impressive 18 points (13 kills, 4 blocks, 1 ace). Myriam Sylla also showcased her best form in the 2025 VNL against Brazil, contributing 16 points through 13 kills and 3 blocks.
Italy`s path to the title also involved overcoming adversity, specifically an injury to outside hitter Alice Degradi, who appeared to suffer a left ankle problem in the second set. Her replacement, 21-year-old Stella Nervini, stepped up impressively, contributing seven points, all from kills, to the winning effort.
Myriam Sylla expressed her admiration for the team, stating, “I love this team. We are incredibly happy and worked collectively to reach this point. I believe today we truly exemplified what the word `team` signifies for us. When a player is struggling or sustains an injury, we have others prepared to step in and give their utmost.”
For Brazil, captain Gabriela `Gabi` Guimarães was their top scorer with 15 points (10 kills, 4 blocks, 1 ace). Middle blocker Julia Kudiess also delivered a notable performance, contributing 12 points with 7 kills and 5 blocks in the gold medal match.
Gabi acknowledged Italy`s depth, remarking, “They truly showcased the quality of their roster today. We started strong and managed to put them under pressure, but our performance dipped after the first set. To defeat a team of Italy`s caliber, merely playing well is insufficient. Today, we saw that we can beat them, but only if we maintain consistency and capitalize on every opportunity. Overall, it was a fantastic VNL for us. The team performed exceptionally, and it was particularly rewarding to see our younger players embrace significant roles.”
Italy demonstrated superiority across key statistical categories, outscoring Brazil in kills (58-45), blocks (14-12), and aces (3-2). However, the European team committed more errors, conceding 28 points compared to Brazil`s 22.
Both Italy and Brazil are anticipated to be strong contenders for the gold medal at the upcoming 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship, scheduled to take place in Thailand from August 22 to September 7.
Finley Blackwood