Sometimes, greatness isn’t just about winning. It’s about how you win. For Team Italy, the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) title wasn’t just another trophy—it was the emotional peak of a journey filled with talent, determination, and incredible unity.
On a buzzing Sunday evening inside Atlas Arena, Italy triumphed over Brazil with a 3-1 comeback victory in the final (22-25, 25-18, 25-22, 25-22), lifting their third VNL trophy in last four yeary and solidifying their dominance on the world stage.
“We Did It Again—But This One Feels Different”
While the stats show a solid Italian victory—58 kills to Brazil’s 45, 14 blocks vs. 12, 3 aces to 2—the real story was in the locker room.
Julio Velasco, the revered head coach, admitted the team wasn’t at its best:
“We didn’t play perfect volleyball tonight, but we won because of our heart, our bench, and our belief. That says everything about this group.”
Velasco wasn’t just paying lip service. When star opposite Paola Egonu struggled, it was Ekaterina Antropova who stepped up off the bench with a stunning 18-point performance. Add to that Miriam Sylla’s explosive energy and 16 points, and you’ve got a team firing from every angle.
An Unbreakable Bond—Built Through Struggles
Vice-captain Carlotta Cambi summed it up beautifully:
“Three titles in under a year… It’s surreal. We weren’t always perfect, but we never gave up. That’s why this win means even more.”
Perhaps no one embodied that spirit more than Stella Nervini. Thrust into the biggest match of her career after Alice Degradi’s injury, the 21-year-old Nervini didn’t flinch. She delivered 7 crucial points and played with the kind of maturity that turns rookies into legends.
“I still can’t believe it,” said Nervini, holding back tears. “This win is for Alice. She gave everything for this team. We just finished the job.”
The President’s Words: A Nation Proud
Giuseppe Manfredi, President of the Italian Volleyball Federation, praised not just the team, but the system behind it:
“These girls continue to make history. They are a reflection of the dedication of our clubs, coaches, and communities across Italy. This is more than a win—it’s a movement.”
Italy’s Road to Glory: Dominance from Start to Finish
From the very first serve of the knockout rounds, Italy never looked vulnerable:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Set Scores |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 23 | 🇺🇸 USA | Won 3-0 | 25-22, 25-21, 28-26 |
| July 26 | 🇵🇱 Poland | Won 3-0 | 25-18, 25-16, 25-14 |
| July 27 | 🇧🇷 Brazil (Final) | Won 3-1 | 22-25, 25-18, 25-22, 25-22 |
Not once did Italy look rattled—even after losing the opening set in the final.
Sylla: “We Showed What ‘Team’ Really Means”
Captain Sylla was candid:
“When someone falls, someone else steps up. That’s us. That’s Italy. We fight, we laugh, we cry—together.”
And fight they did. Even with 28 unforced errors, the Italians managed to outplay Brazil in every other department, proving that resilience sometimes outweighs perfection.
Looking Ahead: Eyes on the World Championship
With VNL 2025 in the bag, Italy is already looking toward the World Championship in Thailand later this year. Coach Velasco is clear-eyed about the challenge:
“When you’re at the top, everyone wants to bring you down. But we’ll be ready. This team lives for the big moments.”
Champions again. And this time, the gold shines even brighter.
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