Slovenia shocks France as Italy, Brazil, Poland advance to VNL men’s semis

Mark Aaron Balbin

Slovenia delivered the biggest shock of the tournament by stunning defending champions France in four sets, joining Italy, Brazil, and Poland in the semifinals of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Nations League (VNL) men’s tournament at the Beilun Gymnasium in Ningbo, China, on July 31.

Slovenia upset defending champions France, 3–1, winning 25–21, 25–23, 21–25, 25–20. 

From the outset, Slovenia showed poise and tactical discipline, taking the first two sets with confidence. Though France recovered in the third, Slovenia quickly regained control in the fourth to close out the win.

Tonček Štern manned the Slovenians with 16 total points, all from swings; combining aggressive attacking with efficient conversion for Slovenia’s upset victory.

The Italians became the first team to advance, taking down Cuba in four sets, 25‑18, 25‑19, 20‑25, 25‑21.

Leading the Italian charge, Alessandro Michieletto scored 17 points from two service aces and one kill block while Kamil Rychlicki added 16 points, including three aces and two arranged blocks to neutralize Cuba’s established rhythm.

Meanwhile, Brazil shook off an initial setback to retaliate against tourney host China, 29‑31, 25‑19, 25‑16, 25‑21 to successfully claim the win.

Alan Souza starred with 26 points for the victors, orchestrating the Brazilians’ attack execution and strategic serving swung momentum decisively in their favor after a tight opener.

On the following day, Poland put on a defensive clinic against Japan, sweeping the home team 25–23, 26–24, 25–12, and putting an end to their hopes for another medal finish.

While the first two sets were tightly contested, Poland completely shut the door in the third, using a 14–3 block advantage to take full control.

Kewin Sasak led Poland with 15 points, while Tomasz Fornal added 11 points as well, with four from kill blocks.

Looking ahead, the race to the VNL 2025 crown is down to four — with Brazil facing Poland, and Italy going head-to-head with Slovenia on August 2.