Italy dominates Poland to book VNL finals return

The Italians came, saw, and conquered.

Defending VNL and Olympic champion Italy stamped its class once again, sweeping host Poland, 25-18, 25-16, 25-15, to secure a return trip to the finals for the third straight season of the 2025 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League on Saturday night, July 26 in Atlas Arena, Łódź, Poland.

The reigning champions extended their winning streak to 28 matches and moved one step closer to claiming another major international title.

Opposite hitter Paolo Egunu took over the scoring spot after a slow first set with 17 points on 15 kills, one block and an ace while outside hitter Alice Degradi registered 13 points, all in kills.

“It was a really solid performance from us. Our blocking and defense were especially strong, and we made it very difficult for them to score,” said Degradi in a post-match interview with the official VNL website.

“We kept improving throughout the match. Each match is a new challenge, and our focus now is fully on the final,” she added.

Poland jumped to an early 4-0 lead in the get-go, but Italy stormed back behind Degradi’s five kills and four points each from middle blocker Sarah Fahr and opposite Myrriam Sylla to claim the opening set.

Egonu powered Italy in the second set, firing eight of her 17 points to hand the Agnieszka Korneluk-led Poland a 25-16 setback.

Poland failed to reach double digits in attacking points as Italy’s rock-solid floor defense, anchored by captain Anna Danesi’s three blocks, sealed the sweep with a dominant 25-14 finish.

Korneluk tallied 11 points off six attacks and five blocks, while opposite hitter Malwina Smarzek chipped in nine markers from one block and an ace, but their efforts fell short as Italy’s championship poise proved too much.

Italy dominated on offense with 51 attack points to Poland’s 30, and outblocked the host nation with 11-6.

The European powerhouse will face South America’s juggernaut Brazil in the gold medal match of the tourney on Monday, July 28 at 2 AM (Philippine Time).