Italy punched their ticket to the VNL 2025 final with an emphatic 3-0 win over Poland in Łódź. In front of more than 13,000 home fans, the reigning Olympic and VNL champions delivered a masterclass performance, winning in straight sets (25-18, 25-16, 25-14) to book a spot in their third final in four years.
Italy in Command from the Start
Despite the electric atmosphere inside Atlas Arena, Italy never wavered. The Azzurre dominated from the outset, showcasing their trademark blend of discipline, power, and teamwork. With a 28-match winning streak now intact, the Italians are one step away from adding another prestigious title to their growing legacy.
Star opposite Paola Egonu led the charge with 17 points, finding her rhythm after a slow start. Outside hitter Alice Degradi added 13 points, all from sharp, well-timed kills. Captain Anna Danesi stood tall with a match-high five blocks, while middle blocker Sarah Fahr anchored a solid defensive line.
Total Team Effort
“It was a strong performance across the board,” said Degradi. “We defended well, blocked even better, and never let up. Now it’s all about the gold medal match.”
The stats back up her words — Italy outclassed Poland in every department: kills (51 to 30), blocks (11 to 6), and serve aces (3 to 1). Though they committed slightly more errors (11 to 10), their control and confidence made the difference.
Poland Falls Short Despite Spirited Effort
Polish captain Agnieszka Korneluk led her side with 11 points, and substitute Malwina Smarzek chipped in with 9. However, they couldn’t match Italy’s pace or precision.
“Italy was outstanding,” Korneluk admitted. “But we’re still fighting for bronze, and we’ll give everything we’ve got.”
One More to Go
With confidence sky-high and their championship mindset intact, Italy looks poised to defend their crown and secure a third VNL title. One win remains between them and volleyball glory.
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