When Italy and Poland collide in the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship semifinals, it won’t just be another heavyweight matchup.
It will be the latest chapter in one of international volleyball’s fiercest rivalries — a series of battles that has defined the sport over the past three years.
From world titles to continental crowns and Olympic clashes, these two European giants have traded blows on the sport’s biggest stages.
Here’s a look back at their major meetings from 2022 to 2025:
2022 Volleyball Nations League
In one of their early clashes of the 2022 season, Italy bounced back from a set down to secure victory in pool play, 21-25, 25-23, 25-20, 25-20, showcasing their youthful core led by Alessandro Michieletto and Daniele Lavia.
2022 Volleyball Nations League (Battle for Bronze)
Poland dominated the bronze medal match on Italian soil, 25-16, 25-23, 25-20, led by captain Bartosz Kurek and Wilfredo Leon, pushing Italy off the podium.
2022 FIVB Men’s World Championship Final
On September 11, 2022, Italy stunned the home crowd by defeating two-time defending champions Poland in four sets, 22–25, 25–21, 25–18, 25–20, to win their first world title since 1998.
Lavia and Michieletto carried the Italians, ending their 24-year wait back to the top.
2023 Volleyball Nations League
In their first major meeting since the Worlds final, Poland prevailed in the VNL pool stage against Italy in four sets, 25–19, 28–26, 18–25, 25–20.
Kurek scored 20 points, backed by Leon’s 16, while Lavia and Yuri Romano led Italy with 18 apiece.
2023 EuroVolley Final
Poland got its revenge against Italy with a clean sweep, 25–20, 25–21, 25–23, to capture the European Championship title on Italian soil.
Leon finished with 13 points and was later named tournament MVP as Poland ended Italy’s EuroVolley reign.
2024 Volleyball Nations League
Poland continued to dominate their VNL pool clash after a commanding sweep against Italy, 25–22, 25–21, 25–22.
León tallied 18 points while Kurek added 15, as Poland’s 8–2 blocking edge shut down the Italians, who fielded a mix of regulars and reserves.
Olympic Games Paris 2024
Pitted in Pool B, Italy struck back with a four-set victory over Poland, 25–15, 25–18, 24–26, 25–20.
The win secured first place in the pool for Italy, though Poland went on to claim the silver medal, while Italy finished in fourth place.
2025 Volleyball Nations League Final
Poland would have its way again versus Italy, winning in straight sets, 25–22, 25–19, 25–14, to win their second-ever VNL title.
Leon led all scorers with 16 points, Kamil Semeniuk added 14, and Poland didn’t drop a single set in the Final Round.
Italy, meanwhile, earned its first-ever VNL silver medal.
A rivalry for the ages
Since 2022, Poland has had the upper hand against Italy in five of their eight encounters.
Italy has prevailed in the World Championship Final and Olympics, while Poland has taken the EuroVolley crown and four VNL victories, including the most recent championship clash.
Now, with a ticket to the 2025 World Championship final at stake, the balance of power will once again be tested on the Manila stage.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.