Italy recovers from first-set mishap to clinch third VNL title over Brazil

Reigning champions Italy rallied a first-set loss to defeat Brazil in four sets, 22-25, 25-22, 25-18, 25-22, to bag their third VNL women’s league title during the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Finals in the Atlas Arena at Łódź, Poland, last July 28, (Philippine time).

After dropping the opening set, the Olympic medalists displayed their Championship pedigree, staging a dominant run through the next three frames to complete an unblemished 15-0 campaign.

Topgun Ekaterina Kaprova came off the bench to spark Italy’s turnaround with an impressive 18 points from 13 attacks, 5 blocks, and one ace. Outside hitter Myriam Sylla added 16 points in a standout performance that helped Italy lift the VNL crown.

“I love this team,” Sylla expressed during a post-match interview. “We’re very happy and worked together to get here. I think that today we showed what the word ‘team’ means for us.”

On the other hand, team captain Gabriela Guimaraes led the consistent scoring for the Brazilians as she chipped in 10 attack points, four blocks, and one ace. 

Middle blocker Julia Kudies also made her presence known, delivering seven kills and five blocks from her 12-point performance.

 “I thought we saw today that we can beat them, but also that to do it, we need to be consistent and to take advantage of the opportunities we have.” uttered the Brazilian team captain.

“But I thought it was a great VNL for us. The team did very well and it was great to see some younger players stepping up and taking big roles with the team.” Guimaraes added. 

The victory marks Italy’s third VNL crown and extends its historic streak, making it the only women’s national team, alongside the United States, to have won the tournament three times. Brazil, meanwhile, claimed its fourth VNL silver medal (2019, 2021, 2022, and 2025), the most by any team.

The Italian national team is now set to continue its winning skid in the upcoming 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship, set to take place in Thailand from August 22 to September 7.