Italy`s women`s national volleyball team, often celebrated as a golden generation, achieved another significant triumph by securing the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women`s World Championship in Thailand on Sunday.
As the top-ranked team globally, Italy clinched this prestigious trophy by defeating their formidable continental rivals, Türkiye, in a gripping 3-2 (25-23, 13-25, 26-24, 19-25, 15-8) final. The decisive match, held at Bangkok`s Huamark Indoor Stadium, marked Italy`s triumphant return to the championship`s top spot after a 23-year hiatus.
This victory in Thailand represents Italy`s fourth major international title in just over a year. Their recent successes include victories at the 2024 Volleyball Nations League and the Paris Olympics, followed by a repeat as VNL champions only a month prior. Now boasting an impressive unbeaten streak of 36 matches over the past 15 months, the Italian squad is the first women’s national team to simultaneously hold both the Olympic and World titles since Cuba accomplished this feat in 2002.
This championship marks Italy`s second World title and their fourth overall medal in the tournament. Their initial victory was in 2002, and they have since maintained a consistent presence on the podium, earning silver in 2018 and bronze in 2022 before this latest gold medal.
Head coach Julio Velasco shared his sentiments on the momentous occasion: “This victory is profoundly emotional for us. Having secured the World Championship, the Olympics, and two VNL titles, I am confident this team will be etched into history as legendary, alongside very few others. My pride in them is immense. They navigated two incredibly challenging matches in the past two days, consistently giving their utmost in practice, and truly deserve every accolade they’ve earned.”
Paola Egonu, the team`s star opposite hitter, delivered a standout performance, making a strong comeback after a somewhat inconsistent showing against Brazil in the semifinals. She was instrumental in leading Italy to the title with an impressive 22 points, comprising 18 kills, three blocks, and one ace.
Following the gold medal match, Egonu expressed her disbelief and joy: “I`m still trying to process this. I am incredibly proud of my team and overwhelmingly happy. This moment will forever be etched in my memory. For some of us, this might be our final tournament, and my heart is truly full right now.”
Outside hitter Myriam Sylla also played a crucial role, contributing 19 points with 14 kills, four blocks, and one ace. Off the bench, Ekaterina Antropova proved instrumental once more, adding 14 points (12 kills, two blocks), many of which came at critical junctures of the game.
For Türkiye, star opposite Melissa Vargas was the match`s top scorer, registering an astounding 33 points, which included 28 kills, four aces, and one block. Captain Eda Erdem also delivered a strong performance, adding 19 points from 15 kills, three blocks, and one ace.
Interestingly, blocking was the sole statistical category where Italy surpassed Türkiye, outscoring them 14 points to ten. Türkiye held an advantage in kills (68 to 59) and aces (seven to five), while both teams committed 20 errors, conceding an equal number of points to their opponents.
2025 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship: Match Results
Earlier on Sunday, in the intense battle for third place, Brazil secured the final podium spot in the tournament`s 20th edition by defeating Japan 3-2 (25-12, 25-17, 19-25, 27-29, 18-16) in a hard-fought match.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood