Unbeaten Poland seeks redemption against defending champion Italy in a blockbuster semifinal rematch at the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship.
World No. 1 Poland aims for payback when it battles defending champion Italy in the semifinals of the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship on Saturday, September 27, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Poles remain unbeaten in this year’s tournament, but the memory of their 2022 Finals heartbreak still lingers. That year, the Italians swept them on their home floor in Katowice to deny their three-peat bid.
[ALSO READ: Clash of Champions: A look into Poland-Italy's storied rivalry ahead of 2025 FIVB Worlds semis]
Now, Poland enters the rematch determined to flip the script and reclaim its path to the title.
Wilfredo Leon, back in action after missing the 2022 edition due to injury, headlines a deep Polish lineup. Veterans Bartosz Kurek and Kamil Semeniuk have taken on steady roles — a testament to the squad’s depth and unpredictability.
[ALSO READ: Wilfredo Leon hungry for elusive gold medal with Poland in FIVB World Championship]
That balance has kept Poland sharp throughout the tournament and makes them difficult to contain.
Standing in their way, however, is an Italian side anchored by reigning World MVP Simone Giannelli and rising star Alessandro Michieletto. But with momentum and revenge as their driving forces, Poland is poised to push for its first World title since 2018.
Match begins at 6:30 p.m.
[ALSO READ: Final Four: Poland, Italy, Bulgaria, Czechia left standing in FIVB Men’s World Championship]
(With reports from Kiko Demigillo)
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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.]