Men`s World Championship 2025
Defending champions Italy delivered a commanding performance against world number one Poland, securing a spot in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men`s World Championship final in the Philippines. In Saturday`s semifinal match in Pasay City, Italy triumphed with a decisive shutout victory, setting up a clash with Bulgaria for the gold medal. The final is scheduled for Sunday at 18:30 local time (10:30 UTC), preceded by the bronze medal match between Czechia and Poland at 14:30 (06:30 UTC).
High-flying Yuri Romano
Match Overview
The first set saw Poland initially establish a four-point lead. However, powered by opposite Yuri Romano, Italy skillfully turned the tide, using superior spiking to reclaim control. Outside hitter Mattia Bottolo then sealed the first set with his initial point. The second set unfolded similarly, with Poland gaining an early advantage only for the Italians to mount a comeback. Despite Poland briefly pulling ahead at 22-21, Italy responded with four consecutive points, including their fourth ace of the set from Francesco Sani, to extend their lead. In the third set, Poland once again built a five-point lead, but Italy`s resilience shone through as they steadily regained dominance. A powerful pipe kill by star outside hitter Alessandro Michieletto created a triple match point. Although Poland fended off two match points, Michieletto secured the third, sealing a resounding 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-23) victory for Italy.
Performance Analysis
Italy showcased a strong offensive game, outscoring Poland 34-30 in spike kills and delivering 7 aces compared to Poland`s 3. They also committed fewer unforced errors, 23 to Poland`s 25. Yuri Romano was the standout performer, leading all scorers with 15 points, which included two block kills and an ace. Alessandro Michieletto contributed another 12 points, including an ace.
Player Reactions
“We played an incredible game – truly excellent and strong! We believed we could win, though certainly not in such a dominant fashion. We are ecstatic, but it’s not over yet. Now we’ll try to rest, and then tomorrow brings another significant match. In our last three matches, our mentality has been superb, and this is the outcome. We maintain our composure even when trailing, displaying a robust mindset.”
— Yuri Romano (Italy)
Poland, while slightly superior in blocking with 10 stuffs to Italy`s 9, couldn`t overcome Italy`s overall performance. Their most effective scorer was Cuban-born outside hitter Wilfredo Leon, who amassed 14 points (12 in swings and two block kills).
“Certainly, this situation is tough because we’ve lost the chance for a World Championship gold medal. However, we still have an opportunity to win a medal. So, it’s crucial for us to regroup, clear our minds, and play our best volleyball tomorrow to secure that medal. A medal is always something valuable to win. Italy undeniably played a fantastic game tonight, and we congratulate them on their amazing performance! We had some chances, but we couldn`t capitalize on them.”
— Kamil Semeniuk (Poland)
Oliver Wrenwick