Brazil stopped Italy in 2022. The Italians answered in the VNL Finals last July. Now, with the world’s top-2 colliding again—can Italy deliver the ultimate payback in the FIVB Women's World Championship?
Reigning VNL and Olympic champions Italy will look to settle an old score in facing Brazil in the semifinals of the 2025 FIVB Women’s World Championships on Saturday, September 6.
The blockbuster clash between the world’s top-2 teams is set for 8:30 p.m. from Thailand.
The matchup carries added weight as Brazil was responsible for ending Italy’s 2022 run in the same stage, knocking the Europeans out in the semifinals in Poland before finishing as runners-up to Serbia.
Italy has since built back its confidence, most notably and recently in July when it toppled Brazil to win the 2025 VNL crown.
Now, the Italians seek to deliver payback once again on the biggest stage of all.
Italy arrives in the semifinals in dominant form after sweeping Poland in the quarterfinals, 25-17, 25-21, 25-18.
[ALSO READ: Italy makes short work of Poland, advances to FIVB Women’s World Championship semis]
Star opposite Paola Egonu led the way with 20 points built on 19 kills and a block, while middle blocker Sarah Fahr added 12 points, highlighted by eight kills and four blocks.
This is Italy’s fourth straight semifinals appearance, but the prize is bigger this time around.
A victory would secure a return to the championship stage for the first time since 2018, when they fell to Serbia in the Finals.
After sweeping Pool B with a perfect 3-0 record and cruising past Germany in the Round of 16, Italy is brimming with confidence, determined to put a definitive end Brazil’s hold over them and take another step toward adding the world title to their collection.
[ALSO READ: No. 1 Italy joins Brazil, China, Japan as pool winners at FIVB Women’s World Championship]
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]