Italy clinch back-to-back world titles (Photo FIVB)
Italy have successfully defended their World Championship title after beating Bulgaria 3-1 (25-21, 25-17, 17-25, 25-10) in the final at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
It’s the fifth world title for the Italians, who only lost one match in the competition enroute their gold medal feat. Their previous gold medal triumphs were in 1990, 1994, 1998 and 2022.
A total of 16,429 fans thronged the SM Mall to watch the final, capping what has been a hugely successful competition in Manila, Philippines.
Opposite Yuri Romanò led Italy with 22 points (16 kills, 1 block, 5 aces) while teammate Mattia Bottolo added 19 points (10 kills, 2 blocks, 7 aces). Aleksandar Nikolov replied for Bulgaria with a game-high 23 points (21 kills, 1 block, 1 ace).
It’s the second silver medal for Bulgaria having also finished second in the 1970 edition on home soil. It’s also the first podium finish for the Volleyball Empowerment-backed Bulgaria since 2006 when they claimed bronze in Japan.
Earlier in the third place playoff, Poland bounced back to winning ways with a 3-1 (25-18, 23-25, 25-22, 25-21) sweep of another Volleyball Empowerment team Czechia.
Star outside hitter Wilfredo Leon led Poland with 26 points (23 kills, 3 blocks) while Lukas Vasina replied for Czechia with 19 points (18 kills, 1 block).
This was the first bronze medal finish for Poland in history. Previously, they had three world titles and two silver medals on their record.
“It’s always a struggle. It doesn’t matter who is on the other side, because now everybody is playing volleyball. Everybody has got two to three players, who are playing in strong clubs, and they can play a really great game. So, I am proud of these guys!” said Poland’s Serbian head coach Nikola Grbic.
“We were devastated yesterday, because the expectations were higher, because we know how hard we worked, what quality we have and how important it was for us to try to play another final. Coming back from that tough loss yesterday wasn’t easy at all. That’s why I am satisfied that we came back. I have great guys and I am proud of them. I just hope we will continue to come back to Poland with a medal every time.”
