Defending champion Italy eyes back-to-back crowns and a fifth world title overall as it faces Bulgaria in the gold medal match of the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship.
Italy looks to cement its reign at the top of world volleyball when it battles Bulgaria in the gold medal match of the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship on Sunday, September 28, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The defending champions, ranked world no. 2, secured their second straight Finals appearance after sweeping world no. 1 Poland, 25-21, 25-22, 25-23, in front of 9,652 fans.
Yuri Romano fired 15 points built on 12 spikes, while Alessandro Michieletto added 11 markers, including the dagger hit that sealed Italy’s return to the championship stage.
Italy now has the chance to claim its fifth world title overall and its second consecutive gold, following its breakthrough in 2022 that ended a 24-year drought.
[ALSO READ: Simone Gianelli asserts Poland still 'best team in the world' even after Italy's semis win]
Standing in their way is Bulgaria, back in the Finals for the first time since 1970. The Bulgarians toppled Czechia in four sets behind Aleksandar Nikolov’s 31-point explosion, making them a dangerous opponent in the title match.
Still, with the leadership of Simone Giannelli, the firepower of Romano and Michieletto, and a deep supporting cast, Italy enters the Final as the team to beat in its quest for another golden moment.
Match will begin at 6:30 p.m.
(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.]