In Hong Kong, Italy continued their flawless march through the VNL, sweeping China 3-0 (25-21, 32-30, 25-11) in front of a packed crowd. Paola Egonu led the charge with 21 points, while Alice Degradi and Stella Nervini kept the offense flowing. That win marks Italy’s 8th straight VNL victory—and their 22nd in a row in official matches—keeping them comfortably atop the standings and looking Finals-ready.
- VNL W: Italy Sweep Serbia, Stay Unbeaten in VNL – Dutch Beat Belgium to Keep Finals Hope Alive
- VNL W: Japan Sweeps Korea, Brazil Outlasts France
- VNL W: Türkiye Books 2025 VNL Finals Spot with Dominant Win Over Netherlands
Meanwhile, Belgium and Canada treated fans in Istanbul to one of the most gripping matches of the tournament. Despite trailing twice, Belgium clawed back to take the match 3-2 (22-25, 25-13, 21-25, 25-22, 18-16). Captain Britt Herbots lit up the scoreboard with 31 points. Canada’s Hilary Howe Johnson fought valiantly with 21 points, but the Tigers roared loudest in the final moments.
Over in Belgrade, the Netherlands celebrated a hard-fought win over Germany, 3-2 (25-23, 19-25, 25-21, 23-25, 15-10). Elles Dambrink was unstoppable with 23 points.
- BRA W: Ana Cristina Suffers Knee Injury, Out of VNL Japan Stage
- VNL W: Italy Sweep Serbia, Stay Unbeaten in VNL – Dutch Beat Belgium to Keep Finals Hope Alive
- ITA M: Bulgarian Talent Zhasmin Velichkov Joins MINT Vero Volley Monza
- VNL W: Japan Sweeps Korea, Brazil Outlasts France
- VNL W: Türkiye Books 2025 VNL Finals Spot with Dominant Win Over Netherlands