Italy has once again etched its name in women`s volleyball history, securing their third FIVB Volleyball Nations League title with a truly exceptional and dominant performance. The Italian squad swept through the competition, triumphing in all 15 of their matches and conceding a mere eight sets on their impressive journey to the championship.
The highly anticipated final round, featuring the top eight qualifying teams, took place from July 24 to 27 at the Atlas Arena in Łódź, Poland. Italy arrived as the clear favorites, poised to extend their growing legacy in the sport.
Their pursuit of the title began with a decisive 3-0 victory in the quarter-finals against the United States, a formidable team that previously held the record for most VNL titles with three. This triumph set the stage for a thrilling semi-final encounter against the host nation, Poland, who harbored ambitions of securing their maiden VNL crown. Despite the passionate support of the home crowd, Poland soon discovered that Italy, the reigning Olympic champions, proved to be an insurmountable challenge. With significant contributions from Paola Egonu, who scored 17 points, and Alice Degradi, adding 13 points, Italy secured a commanding 3-0 win with set scores of 25:18, 25:16, and 25:14, ensuring their place in yet another FIVB Women`s Volleyball Nations League final.
Italy`s opponents in the final were Brazil, who had navigated their way through the knockout stages by defeating Germany 3-0 in the quarter-finals and then overcoming Japan in a hard-fought 3-2 semi-final, which was decided in a tense fifth set (15:8).
The championship match promised to be a captivating spectacle, and it certainly delivered. Brazil took an early lead by winning the first set 25:22. However, Italy, demonstrating remarkable resilience and competitive spirit, mounted an impressive comeback. Despite Brazil`s Gabi Guimaraes putting up a strong 15-point performance, Italy`s collective strength and depth ultimately prevailed.
Key offensive contributions from Ekaterina Antropova (18 points), Myriam Sylla (16 points), and Paola Egonu (12 points) fueled Italy`s spirited resurgence, once again proving that when their squad is performing at its peak, they are virtually unstoppable. Italy then decisively claimed the next three sets with scores of 25:18, 25:22, and 25:22, thereby securing their third VNL championship. This historic victory places Italy alongside the United States as the most decorated teams in the competition`s history.
A remarkable group of eight Italian players has been instrumental in all three of their VNL triumphs: 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.
“I love this team. We’re very happy and worked together to get here. I think that today we showed what the word ‘team’ means for us. If someone is down or gets injured, we have other people ready to come in and bring their best,” shared Italy`s Myriam Sylla, underscoring the team`s exceptional depth and unity. Superstar Paola Egonu was deservedly named the tournament`s Most Valuable Player for an incredible third time in her VNL career, cementing her status as a standout performer.
In the bronze medal match, Poland secured their third consecutive bronze medal in the competition, defeating Japan 3-1, ensuring that two European nations earned a spot on the podium.
Jasper Thornfield 
Finley Blackwood