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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Volleyball devider Italy, Poland set up high-stakes semis showdown in FIVB Worlds

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

Published Sep 25, 2025 01:19 pm

At A Glance

  • A blockbuster rematch came early for defending champion Italy and world No. 1 Poland after arranging a high-stakes semifinal clash in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Italy tries to move closer to retaining its title. (https://www.philippineswch2025.com/)
Italy tries to move closer to retaining its title. (https://www.philippineswch2025.com/)
A blockbuster rematch came early for defending champion Italy and world No. 1 Poland after arranging a high-stakes semifinal clash in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The anticipated showdown is set on Saturday, Sept. 27, with the exact time yet to be announced, as Czechia, Iran, the United States, and Bulgaria continue to vie for the remaining two semis spots at press time.
But expect a nail-biting match from Italy and Poland, with only one of them advancing to the championship round.
The top two teams in the world last faced off in the 2022 final, where Italy clinched the crown in four sets.
Last Wednesday, Sept. 24, Italy inched closer to retaining its title after dismantling world No. 15 Belgium, 25-13, 25-18, 25-18, in their quarterfinal duel.
Not to be outdone, Poland cruised past world No. 14 Turkiye, 25-15, 25-22, 25-19, to boost its own championship drive.
A victory for Italy would secure their second consecutive finals appearance and sixth overall, as they aim to rebuild their dynasty after winning three straight titles in 1990, 1994, and 1998. Italy first reached the finals in the 1978 edition on home soil, where they lost the title to the then-Soviet Union.
Poland, meanwhile, is looking to reclaim lost glory following a painful defeat in the previous edition, which ended their title streak after back-to-back championships in 2014 and 2018.
Out to lead Italy are the dynamic trio of Roberto Russo, Alessandro Michieletto, and Mattia Bottolo, who combined for 23 kills, four blocks, and six aces against Belgium. Russo led the way with 12 points, while Michieletto and Bottolo chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Additional firepower is also expected from Yuri Romano, Giovannimaria Gargiulo, and skipper Simone Giannelli, who collectively added 16 points.
Poland, meanwhile, boasts of its own arsenal in Wilfredo Leon, Jakub Kochanowski, and team captain Bartosz Kurek.
Leon and Kochanowski tallied 13 and 12 points, respectively, while Kurek contributed 10 markers.
Meanwhile, SPIN.ph’s accreditation for the tournament was reinstated on Wednesday night after concerns were raised over possible media restrictions.
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