John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

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Italy

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:959px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1759062275446v0zhyminghhwulil58ut.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">The Italian men&#x27;s national volleyball team. <em>Volleyball World</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA<strong> (UPDATED)</strong> — Italy was triumphant in its title defense at the Philippine-hosted 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men&#x27;s World Championship.</p><p>The world No. 2 squad completed a 25-21, 25-17, 17-25, 25-10 victory against No. 9 Bulgaria in the final to clinch the crown on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.</p><p>This marked the European powerhouse&#x27;s second straight title after taking the 2022 edition—their fifth overall after winning in 1990, in 1994 and in 1998.</p><p>After a setback in the third frame, sitting on a 2-1 lead, the Simone Giannelli-captained squad roared back to life in Set 4 with a dominant 25-10 win to close out the championship game that lasted one hour and 36 minutes.</p><p>Yuri Romano tallied 22 points built on 16 attacks, five aces and one block, leading the scoring charge for the Italians. Mattia Bottolo contributed 18 markers, including seven points from the service line, and Giannelli steered that firepower with 36 excellent sets.</p><p>Giannelli, who also listed four points, took the Best Setter honors.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2025/9/27/fivb-worlds-aleks-nikolov-stars-as-bulgaria-repels-czechia-to-secure-finals-berth-1635"><strong>READ: FIVB Worlds: Aleks Nikolov stars as Bulgaria repels Czechia to secure finals berth</strong></a></div><p>&quot;It’s amazing to be here and we’re the second time as gold medalists. It’s something great, something that I never imagined in my life,&quot; said the Italian playmaker.</p><p>&quot;I’m very grateful to have the [opportunity] to play here, play with my teammates and to enjoy the court. I’m very happy. I think that we [did] history today because [we’re] back-to-back champions,&quot; he added.</p><p>Alessandro Michieletto, who was eventually named tournament MVP and Best Outside Hitter, chipped in 11 points anchored on nine attacks, one block, and an ace.</p><p>&quot;I&#x27;m very happy because this summer we reached two medals in VNL and the World Championship. I can say we are the best team in the world,&quot; said Michieletto.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2025/9/27/fivb-worlds-italy-downs-poland-to-book-finals-clash-with-bulgaria-2017https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2025/9/27/fivb-worlds-italy-downs-poland-to-book-finals-clash-with-bulgaria-2017"><strong>READ: FIVB Worlds: World No. 2 Italy downs No. 1 Poland to book finals clash with Bulgaria</strong></a></div><p>It was still a Cinderella run for the Bulgarian side, who snagged a second silver medal at the world championship level—the last being in 1970.</p><p>Aleksandar Nikolov, another Best Outside Hitter awardee, tallied a game-high 23 points on 21 attacks, one block, and an ace. His brother Moni helped orchestrate their team&#x27;s offense with 32 excellent sets.</p><p>Before this match, FIVB President Fabio Azevedo and Brazilian volleyball legend and Senator Leila Barros announced that the Philippines was granted hosting rights to the 2029 FIVB Volleyball Women&#x27;s World Championship. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO: </strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2ZOf4p228Fw??si=Gy7rphzeg1oWFLGE&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>Back-to-back world championship titles for Italy! #MWCH2025 </p>

Back-to-back world championship titles for Italy! #MWCH2025

Experience prevails as Italy blasts youth-laden Bulgaria in Manila for World Championship crown

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Experience prevails as Italy blasts youth-laden Bulgaria in Manila for World Championship crown

Kennedy Caacbay,

ABS-CBN News

Published September 28, 2025 08:29 PM PHT

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Updated September 28, 2025 11:07 PM PHT

Read More:

abssports

volleyball

2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship

Italy

Bulgaria

FIVB Men's World Championship Final

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