Italy captures world women’s volleyball crown; Brazil outlasts Japan for bronze

Italy captured the 2025 FIVB Women’s World Championship title, while Brazil secured the bronze medal after both of the teams survived five-set thrillers at the Huamark Indoor Stadium on September 7.

Photo Courtesy of Volleyball World/One Sports

The Italians prevailed over Turkey, 25-23, 13-25, 26-24, 19-25, 15-8, securing another hard-fought trophy to the country’s cabinet.

Paola Egonu delivered 22 points, while Miriam Sylla chipped in 19 to power Italy to the championship.

Italy struck first behind Egonu’s early scoring, but Turkey roared back to even the battle.

The Italians reclaimed the edge with a clutch third set courtesy of Egonu and Sylla, only for Turkey to strike back in the fourth to force a decider.

In the fifth, Italy’s attacks proved to be unstoppable for Turkey as the red-clad players settled for silver.

Earlier, Brazil clinched the bronze after edging Japan, 25-12, 25-17, 19-25, 27-29, 18-16.

Captain Gabriela “Gabi” Guimarães powered the Brazilians with 35 points, supported by Júlia Bergmann’s 13 and Rosamaria Montibeller’s 11 points.

Brazil dominated the first two sets, but Japan refused to bow, tightening its defense and striking back to snatch the third set.

The momentum carried into the fourth, as things only got tougher for both sides and dragged the game into a closing frame.

The deciding set stretched deep, with Brazil holding firm in the closing rallies to secure the podium finish.

With the title in hand, Italy now sets its sights on future major tournaments, while Brazil looks to build momentum from its bronze-medal run.