Italy proved once again why they are the reigning world champions, dismantling world No. 1 Poland in straight sets, 25-21, 25-22, 25-23, to punch their ticket to the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship final on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
World No. 2 Italy needed just 85 minutes to assert dominance over their longtime rivals, avenging a loss to Poland in last month’s VNL in China and reaffirming their status as one of the sport’s elite.
Yuri Romano led the charge with 15 points. Meanwhile, Alessandro Michieletto added 12, combining with captain-setter Simone Giannelli, who delivered 25 precise sets to orchestrate a flawless attack.
Roberto Russo and Mattia Battolo chipped in six and four points, respectively, with key contributions in the decisive third set that ended Poland’s unbeaten run from the group stage.
“It was an emotional match. I was very happy and even cried a little. Now we have to reset and rest a bit because there isn’t much time before the final,” Romano said.
Poland, led by super spiker Wilfredo Leon’s 14 points, took an early 12-8 lead in the first set, but Italy’s composure shone through.
Romano and Michieletto led a comeback, highlighted by Battolo’s powerful hammer, to capture the set.
Italy then dominated the second set, and in the third, a 17-14 deficit was overturned with an 8-2 run capped by Simone Anzani’s back-to-back blocks to seize control.
Michieletto finished it off with a thunderous kill, sending nearly 10,000 fans into a frenzy.
Italy will now face a surprise finalist in world No. 9 Bulgaria, which stunned No. 18 Czechia in four sets to continue its Cinderella run to the gold medal match.
Poland, meanwhile, will battle Czechia for the bronze.
With this sweep, Italy continues its march to defend the world title they claimed in 2022, proving that when it comes to high-stakes volleyball, they remain a cut above the rest.
