And still…
Italy claimed the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship for the second consecutive edition, humbling challenger Bulgaria with a 25-21, 25-17, 17-25, 25-10 victory in the finale witnessed by more than 16,000 fans at the Mall of Asia Arena.
As if there were any doubts about its dominance—especially after a statement sweep over world No. 1 and fierce rival Poland in the semifinals—the Italians needed just 96 minutes against world No. 9 Bulgaria to assert their rule over the 32-team tournament, the largest edition in history.
This marks Italy’s fifth overall title, the most among current nations, trailing only the former Soviet Union, which claimed six.
But beyond the numbers, the Italians—now back-to-back champions—position themselves for another era of dominance, having previously become the first nation to win three consecutive crowns in the 1990s.
Brazil later matched the feat in the early 2010s.
Best Opposite Spiker Yuri Romano led Italy with a sensational 22 points, highlighted by five consecutive aces in the second set, powering the team to the pinnacle of men’s volleyball in Manila after their 2022 triumph co-hosted by Poland and Slovenia.
Mattia Bottolo and Alessandro Michieletto contributed 19 and 12 points, respectively, while playmaker Simone Giannelli added four bonus points through two hits and two blocks on top of his 36 assists.
Libero Fabio Balaso recorded nine digs and two receptions.
Four members of Italy’s squad were named to the 2025 FIVB MWCH Dream Team. Michieletto earned accolades as the Best Outside Hitter and Most Valuable Player, Romano was Best Opposite Spiker, and Giannelli and Balaso were honored as Best Setter and Best Libero, respectively.
They were joined by Bulgaria’s Aleksandar Nikolov (Best Outside Hitter) and Aleks Grozdanov, as well as Poland’s Jacub Kochanowski as Best Middle Blockers.
“We knew we needed another perfect game against Bulgaria after a perfect game against Poland. We may have played better against Poland than in the finals, but it doesn’t matter. What matters now is the gold medal,” said Michieletto.
“It feels special to be a two-time world champion. I’m happy and grateful. I have no words to describe how we’re feeling.”
“Since we arrived here, we grew throughout the tournament. It’s not easy to win one championship, and now we have two. I think this second time is even sweeter,” added team captain Giannelli.
Italy, which started the group phase shakily with a surprise loss to Belgium, carried momentum from its massive 25-21, 25-22, 25-23 sweep of VNL champion Poland and immediately took control in the final with a 2-0 lead.
Bulgaria, living up to its dark horse status, fought back to convincingly take the third set. But Italy was on a mission, finishing strong with an astounding 25-10 domination in the fourth set, sending the packed Filipino crowd into a frenzy.
Aleksandar Nikolov and Martin Atanasov scored 23 and 11 points, respectively, as Bulgaria’s Cinderella run came to an end.
Earlier, Poland claimed the bronze medal by defeating world No. 18 Czechia, 25-18, 23-25, 25-22, 25-21.
Wilfredo Leon led the charge with 26 points, while Kewin Sasak added 11.
For Czechia, Lukas Vasina and Patrik Indra scored 19 and 11 points, respectively, capping a commendable Final Four finish.
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