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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Volleyball devider Italy sweeps Poland, makes return trip to finals in FIVB Worlds

Italy sweeps Poland, makes return trip to finals in FIVB Worlds

Published Sep 27, 2025 08:54 pm

At A Glance

  • Powerhouse Italy reaffirmed its mastery over world No. 1 Poland with a 25-21, 25-22, 25-23 victory to make a return trip to the finals in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship before an energetic crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Saturday, Sept. 27.
Yuri Romano scores for Italy against Poland in a rematch of last edition's finals. (Mark Balmores)
Yuri Romano scores for Italy against Poland in a rematch of last edition's finals. (Mark Balmores)
Powerhouse Italy reaffirmed its mastery over world No. 1 Poland with a 25-21, 25-22, 25-23 victory to make a return trip to the finals in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship before an energetic crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Saturday, Sept. 27.
In a rematch of last edition’s finals, the defending champions asserted their might behind the hot hands of Yuri Romano and Alessandro Michieletto to book their sixth championship appearance.
The victory set them up a thrilling titular showdown with Bulgaria, which earlier downed Czechia, 25-20, 23-25, 25-21, 25-22, for its first finals trip in 55 years.
Romano paced Italy throughout by unloading 15 points built on 12 kills, two blocks and one ace, while Michieletto pumped in 12 points highlighted by 11 attacks.
Simone Anzani also stepped up when it mattered most, coming off the bench late in the third set and scoring two blocks to fuel a quick 3-0 run that untangled Italy from a 19-all deadlock to a 22-19 lead.
That set the tone in the ensuing plays with Michieletto drilling in a hard-hitting attack to seal the victory.
Wilfredo Leon was the lone double-digit scorer for Poland with 14 points including 12 kills as they got overpowered in the offensive department. The Polish managed 30 attacks compared to Italy’s 34.
Kewin Sasak and Kamil Semeniuk also combined for 16 points in a losing cause for Poland.
The match also has former Brazilian volleyball star and now Senator Leila Barros witnessing the game
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