The reigning Olympic and Volleyball Nations League champions, Italy, delivered a masterclass in efficiency, sweeping aside hosts Poland in a resounding 3-0 victory to book their place in the VNL 2025 gold medal match.
In the vibrant heart of Łódź, Poland, a highly anticipated Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2025 semifinal unfolded, pitting the formidable Italian squad against the spirited home team. With over 10,000 passionate Polish fans creating a cauldron of noise at the Atlas Arena, the stage was set for a dramatic encounter. However, what transpired was less a clash of titans and more a methodical demonstration of Italian supremacy.
Italy, carrying the weighty titles of reigning VNL and Olympic champions, approached the match with a composure that bordered on surgical precision. They dispatched Poland in a clean 3-0 sweep (25-18, 25-16, 25-15), replicating the scoreline from their previous semifinal encounter and securing yet another coveted spot in the VNL gold medal match. This victory marks their third VNL final appearance in four years, a testament to their enduring dominance in international women`s volleyball.
The Italian Machine: Precision and Power
The Italian performance was a study in controlled aggression and tactical excellence. From the opening serve, their defense and blocking were impenetrable, stifling Poland`s attacking efforts and forcing errors. This defensive solidity laid the groundwork for their potent offensive plays.
Leading the charge was the prodigious opposite hitter, Paola Egonu. After a somewhat measured start in the first set, Egonu quickly found her devastating rhythm, finishing as the match`s top scorer with 17 points, comprising 15 kills, a crucial block, and a well-placed ace. Her ability to deliver under pressure, often from challenging positions, underscores her status as one of the world`s premier players.
Equally impactful was outside hitter Alice Degradi, whose versatile play contributed 13 points, all from kills. Her consistent attacking prowess provided a vital complement to Egonu`s explosive power. Reflecting on the team`s performance, Degradi noted, “Our blocking and defense were really good, and that made it hard for them to score points. I felt that our game continued to improve throughout the match. Every match is different, and we don’t think about the past, we only focus on the next one, which is now the gold medal match.”
“Our blocking and defense were really good, and that made it hard for them to score points. I felt that our game continued to improve throughout the match.” — Alice Degradi
At the net, captain Anna Danesi was a formidable presence, tallying a match-high five blocks. Her efforts, combined with fellow middle blocker Sarah Fahr, created an aerial barrier that repeatedly frustrated the Polish attackers. Statistically, Italy outclassed Poland significantly in kills (51 to 30), blocks (11 to six), and aces (three to one), despite committing slightly more errors (11 to 10).
Poland`s Resilience and the Pursuit of Bronze
Despite the comprehensive defeat, the Polish team, spurred on by their fervent home support, showed flashes of their fighting spirit. Captain and middle blocker Agnieszka Korneluk stood out with 11 points, including six kills and five blocks, showcasing her defensive acumen. Malwina Smarzek, coming off the bench, also made a notable contribution with nine points.
For Poland, this semifinal loss sets up a familiar path: the bronze medal match. Having secured third place in both the 2023 and 2024 VNL editions, they now have the opportunity to continue this curious, yet respectable, annual tradition on home soil. Korneluk acknowledged the challenge, stating, “Italy played a great game tonight. We need to learn our lessons from this match, and tomorrow is now the most important match in the VNL for us, so we need to focus on it.”
The Path to Gold: An Unbeaten Streak
Italy`s journey to the VNL 2025 final is underscored by an impressive statistic: they remain undefeated in their last 28 matches. This remarkable run highlights not just individual talent but also exceptional team cohesion and strategic execution.
The stage is now set for the gold medal match on Sunday. Italy awaits the winner of the second semifinal between Brazil and Japan. Should they triumph, it would mark their third VNL title, further cementing their legacy as the dominant force in contemporary women`s international volleyball. Meanwhile, Poland will battle for bronze, aiming to give their home fans one last celebratory moment in what has been a compelling VNL Final phase.
