Italy seals back-to-back FIVB men’s world title after outclassing Bulgaria

For the second straight men’s world volleyball season, the Azzuris came, saw, and conquered, to leave Manila with the crown once more.

Reigning champion Italy ended its conquest on a high note after securing its back-to-back FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship with a 25-16, 25-17, 17-25, 25-10, triumph to hand Bulgaria its lone defeat in front of a jam-packed 16, 429 fans, at the Mall of Asia Arena, Sept. 28.

The Azzurri also powered their crusade to a fifth world title, joining Russia, Brazil, and current world No. 1 Poland, whom they just toppled in semifinals, as the only nations to achieve the feat.

Despite Bulgaria tasting defeat, they marked a historic best finish in the world’s biggest volleyball stage since claiming the silver medal in their own turf back in the 1970s stint.

Newly minted two-time FIVB World’s Best Setter, Simone Giannelli orchestrated the Azzuri’s offense with 36 excellent sets, and four points as Best Opposite hitter Yuri Romano powered the charge with 22 markers from 16 attacks, five aces, and a block.

The pulsating match see-sawed in the first three sets before the Italians stamped their dominance in the fourth to deny the Bulgarians their first gold medal in the world stage.

Outside hitter Mattia Bottolo took over in the latter part of the first set with five consecutive points with Romano who pumped seven markers to capitalize on Bulgaria’s service errors.

Romano continued to add Italy’s firepower as he registered eight points with five aces in a row in the second set to counter Bulgaria’s Aleksandar Nikolov’s ten point surge and seal another setpoint.

But the upset-makers Bulgaria stood firm and unleashed five consecutive points to grab a 15-10 lead, then fended off Italy’s fightback and sealed the third set with five errors apiece.

The Azzurri bounced back before asserting their dominance as Bottolo sizzled 10 additional points and converted two successful serving runs, setting the stage for middle blocker Simone Anzani to connect the championship point, 25-10.

Nikkolov’s 23 points off 21 kills, a block, and ace were not enough to dethrone the defending champs.

Meanwhile, the Italians took advantage of Bulgaria’s 93 errors compared to their 72, who helped to clinch the crown after the 1 hour and 36 minutes of Philippine final moments of hosting.

On the other hand, FIVB announced the Philippines as the 2029 FIVB Women’s World Championship host.