Italy, Poland set up high-stakes semis showdown in FIVB Worlds

September 25 ------ A blockbuster rematch came early for defending champion Italy and world No. 1 Poland, as both teams powered past their respective opponents to set up a high-stakes semifinal clash in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Italy moved a step closer to retaining its title after dismantling world No. 15 Belgium, 25-13, 25-18, 25-18, while 2022 runner-up Poland cruised past world No. 14 Turkiye, 25-15, 25-22, 25-19. The top two teams in the world last faced off in the 2022 final, where Italy claimed the crown in four sets. This time, only one will advance to the championship round.

Italy’s quarterfinal win served as a redemption of sorts after suffering its only group stage loss to Belgium in a stinging five-set defeat. This time, the Italians left no room for doubt, unleashing relentless attacks led by the dynamic trio of Roberto Russo, Alessandro Michieletto, and Mattia Bottolo, who combined for 23 kills, four blocks, and six aces.

Russo led the way with 12 points, while Michieletto and Bottolo chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively. Additional firepower came from Yuri Romano, Giovannimaria Gargiulo, and skipper Simone Giannelli, who collectively added 16 points. Poland, meanwhile, was just as dominant in its sweep of Turkiye, delivering 40 kills, seven blocks, and six aces fueled by Wilfredo Leon, Jakub Kochanowski, and team captain Bartosz Kurek. Leon and Kochanowski tallied 13 and 12 points, respectively, while Kurek contributed 10 markers.

Their semis duel is scheduled on Saturday, Sept. 27, at the same venue.

Source: mb.com.ph