Titans Rematch: Poland vs. Italy – A Legacy Continues
When Poland meets Italy, it`s rarely just another game; it`s a chapter in a sprawling, intense rivalry. Scheduled for Saturday, September 26, this semifinal is more than a mere fixture; it’s a rematch laden with history. Fans will recall the thrilling CEV EuroVolley 2023 Men final, where Poland delivered a decisive 3:0 victory to claim their continental crown. Before that, Italy had the upper hand, stunning Poland with a 3:1 victory in the previous FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship final.
Both teams arrive in the semifinals with impressive, albeit slightly different, trajectories. Poland has been a picture of consistency, conceding a mere two sets throughout the tournament – one in the preliminary round and another in the Round of 16 against Canada – before sweeping Türkiye in the quarterfinals. Their path has been one of controlled dominance, almost as if they`re simply following the script.
Italy, aiming for their second consecutive world title and a fifth overall, replicating Poland`s back-to-back triumphs in 2014 and 2018, faced a minor hiccup with a 2:3 loss to Belgium in the preliminary stage. However, they swiftly corrected course, dispatching Argentina and Belgium in straight sets during the knockout phase. Italy’s Roberto Russo confidently stated, “Our ambitions are to go far in this tournament and I hope that we will play against Poland in the semifinal like we did today, against Belgium.”
Their recent encounters in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Nations League further underscore the evenly matched nature of this rivalry: Italy claimed a narrow 3:2 win in the league round, but Poland retaliated with a commanding 3:0 victory in the final. Poland`s Wilfredo Leon, the MVP of EuroVolley 2023, encapsulates the sentiment perfectly: “To play against Italy will always be one of the best games. I hope we will make an amazing game here for all the fans around the world.” Expectations for this encounter are, predictably, sky-high.
The Unsung Heroes: Czechia and Bulgaria`s Historic Ascent
While the heavyweights prepare for their inevitable showdown, the other semifinal presents a narrative of unexpected triumphs. Few would have genuinely predicted Czechia and Bulgaria battling for a place in the final. Yet, here they are, having carved out historic runs that defy conventional wisdom.
Bulgaria`s Unbeaten Streak and Unyielding Spirit
Bulgaria, a nation with a rich volleyball history but modest recent World Championship success (their last bronze was in 2006, and their only final appearance was in 1970 as hosts), has been nothing short of spectacular. They are the only undefeated team left, boasting a perfect five wins from five matches. Their nerves of steel were most evident in a nail-biting quarterfinal against the USA, where they clawed back from two sets down to win the decider 15:13. Moni Nikolov beautifully articulated their team`s ethos: “The belief was always there and always will be there, no matter how much we are down. We are like a family and we fight like brothers… We can only win from being here. This is why we train, for this type of feeling.” Spearheading their attack is Aleks Nikolov, the tournament`s leading scorer with an astonishing 119 points, including 29 crucial points against the USA.
Czechia`s Resurgent Campaign
Czechia`s journey is equally compelling. Having not qualified for the World Championship since 2010, and with their best performance as Czechia being a 10th-place finish, their current run is a testament to significant development. After navigating the group stage from second place, they delivered stellar knockout performances, sweeping Tunisia 3:0 and overcoming the Islamic Republic of Iran 3:1 to reach the semifinals. This is a remarkable turnaround for a side that finished a comparatively modest 12th at the last CEV EuroVolley. While Bulgaria holds a slight edge in recent head-to-head matches, having won three of their last four competitive encounters (most recently at EuroVolley 2021), this semifinal promises a fresh, hungry contest where history is being written with every spike and block.
A New Chapter in European Volleyball Dominance
The 2025 FIVB Men`s Volleyball World Championship is not just about crowning a new champion; it`s a powerful statement on the current state of men`s international volleyball. Europe`s deep talent pool, strategic coaching, and robust domestic leagues continue to produce world-class athletes and teams capable of dominating the global stage. This all-European semifinal lineup, featuring a blend of perennial contenders and inspired outsiders, promises a riveting conclusion to what has already been an enthralling tournament.
As Pasay City prepares for Saturday`s intense battles, the volleyball world holds its breath, eager to witness which European nation will rise above the rest and etch their name into the annals of history, cementing their place as the undisputed best in the world. Whether it’s another chapter for a powerhouse or a fairytale ending for a dark horse, the spectacle is guaranteed.
Torin Vale 
Gideon Holt