Italy, Bulgaria to face in men’s world volleyball final

The championship matchup between Italy and Bulgaria is now set after the Italians swept Poland, while the Bulgarians outlasted Czechia during the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship semifinals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Sept. 27.

Bulgaria was first to clinch a finals berth, pulling away from a stubborn Czechia in four sets, 25-20, 23-25, 25-21, 25-22.

The Bulgarians caught fire early with back-to-back spikes, but the Czechs stiffened their defense to steal the second set. 

Bulgaria regained control and closed out the next two frames to seal the win.

Aleksandar Nikolov powered the victory with 31 points, including three aces and three blocks.

Later, Italy showed no mercy to world No. 1 Poland, cruising to a straight-sets sweep, 25-21, 25-22, 25-23, to book the second finals ticket.

The Azzurri dominated the opening set and held off a late Polish rally in the third. 

Yuri Romano and Alessandro Michieletto led Italy with 15 and 12 points, respectively.

Poland and Czechia will meet for the bronze medal.