NINGBO, CHINA – The stage is set for a high-stakes semifinal between Italy and Slovenia at the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2025. The match will take place on Saturday, August 2 in Ningbo, China.
Italy advanced to the semifinals with a 3-1 victory over Cuba, displaying depth and consistency throughout the tournament. Under coach Ferdinando De Giorgi, the team has claimed 11 wins so far, including a straight-sets win against Slovenia during Week 3 of the VNL in July. However, team leaders such as captain Simone Giannelli and outside hitter Alessandro Michieletto—who scored 18 points against Cuba—are aware that the upcoming rematch presents new challenges.
Slovenia arrives at the semifinal after a surprising 3-1 win over France, the reigning Olympic champions. It marks their fourth Final Four appearance in the last five years. Led by Jan Kozamernik and coached by Fabio Soli, the Slovenians are seeking to surpass their best VNL finish—fourth place achieved in both 2021 and 2024.
Historically, Italy leads the head-to-head series with nine wins to Slovenia’s six. But with both teams in strong form and fully prepared, the semifinal promises to be a tightly contested encounter.
In the second semifinal, Brazil will meet Poland on the same day. Winners of the two semifinals will compete for gold on Sunday, while the bronze medal match will be held earlir on the same day.
All matches will be broadcast live on VBTV
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