Team captain Simone Giannelli insisted that Poland remains "the best team in the world" even after Italy's stunning sweep in the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship semifinals.
Defending champions Italy once again proved to be Poland’s kryptonite on the global stage, sweeping the world No. 1 in straight sets, 25-21, 25-22, 25-23, in the semifinals of the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Saturday night, September 27.
The win propelled the Azzurri to their sixth World Championship Final and second straight, keeping their bid for back-to-back crowns alive.
While Italy’s victory was dominant, team captain Simone Giannelli was quick to downplay the notion that the result reshuffled the hierarchy of international volleyball.
“We are not the best team in the world now because we won against the best team in the world. We were good tonight, maybe a little bit better than Poland, but Poland remain the best team in the world, I think,” Giannelli said.
Respect for Poland
The 29-year-old Italian setter praised the depth of the Polish squad, who looked poised to extend the match during the third set.
Simone Giannelli sets the ball during Italy's semifinals sweep of Poland. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
But Italy showcased resilience in the third set against Poland, erasing a five-point deficit and riding their momentum to secure the sweep.
After another chapter in their storied rivalry, Giannelli extended well-wishes for their bronze medal match.
“They have a lot of players that can go inside the court and push a lot. I respect a lot the Polish team, Polish fans, so I want to say good luck to them for the bronze medal because a medal is every time a difficult thing to reach.”
[ALSO READ: Clash of Champions: A look into Poland-Italy's storied rivalry ahead of 2025 FIVB Worlds semis]
Turning the page to Bulgaria
Italy’s last challenge will be world No. 9 Bulgaria, who have stormed into their first final in 55 years behind the stellar play of Aleksandar and Moni Nikolov.
[ALSO READ: Nikolov brothers inspired by father Vladimir as Bulgaria heads to FIVB MWCH Finals]
Giannelli acknowledged the spotlight on Bulgaria’s young stars but made sure to credit the team’s collective strength.
“We have to be focused, of course, on Nikolov because they are amazing. But they are playing all together. It’s a team sport, not tennis. We know it will be very difficult for us tomorrow because they are playing very good, for sure. So we have to maintain our level and try to be present in the court like tonight.”
Italy now turns its sights to Sunday, September 28, where it will clash with Bulgaria for the gold medal at 6:30 p.m.
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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.