The final whistle has blown, the confetti has settled, and another exhilarating chapter of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) has concluded. As Italy celebrates its remarkable second consecutive — and third overall — VNL championship, the subsequent announcement of the tournament`s “Dream Team” has painted a clear picture of their dominance. While the ideal lineup features stars from three different nations, it is undeniably the Azzurre who have cast the longest shadow, securing an astonishing four out of seven coveted spots.
This isn`t merely a statistic; it`s a testament to a program at the peak of its powers, where individual brilliance converges with masterful team cohesion. Let`s delve into the athletes who defined the 2025 VNL season and earned their place among the elite.
- The Indomitable Italian Core: Four Pillars of Victory
- Alessia Orro: The Architect of Offense
- Paola Egonu: The Unstoppable Force
- Myriam Sylla: The Dependable Dynamo
- Monica De Gennaro: The Ageless Anchor
- Global Talent: Shining Stars from Brazil and Poland
- Gabriela `Gabi` Guimarães (Brazil): Impactful Leadership
- Julia Kudiess (Brazil): The Rookie Blocker
- Agnieszka Korneluk (Poland): Consistent Defensive Power
- A Dream Team Reflecting Dominance and Diversity
The Indomitable Italian Core: Four Pillars of Victory
Italy`s success in Łódź, Poland, was not a stroke of luck but a culmination of consistent high performance from a core group of players. Their unparalleled representation in the VNL Dream Team underscores their collective and individual impact.
Alessia Orro: The Architect of Offense
At 27, setter Alessia Orro has firmly cemented her reputation as the VNL`s premier orchestrator, earning her third “Best Setter” award (2022, 2024, 2025). Her precision and strategic vision were instrumental in Italy`s campaign. Participating in 11 matches, Orro registered an impressive 216 successful setting actions. Beyond her primary role, she also contributed 34 points, comprising 23 kills, seven blocks, and four aces, proving that even the most meticulous playmakers can pack a punch.
Paola Egonu: The Unstoppable Force
Synonymous with Italian volleyball success, 26-year-old opposite Paola Egonu added another “Best Opposite” title to her decorated career. Having been both Best Opposite and MVP in Italy`s 2022 and 2024 VNL victories, her inclusion in the 2025 Dream Team was almost a foregone conclusion. Across 14 matches, Egonu amassed a staggering 220 points (188 kills, 22 blocks, ten aces), securing the fifth-highest scoring tally in the entire tournament. Her raw power and ability to turn the tide of a match remain unparalleled.
Myriam Sylla: The Dependable Dynamo
Outside hitter Myriam Sylla, 30, earned her second consecutive VNL Dream Team selection, a quiet testament to her consistent, high-level performance. Often the unsung hero, Sylla’s stability in reception and clutch hitting were vital. She featured in ten of Italy`s 15 matches, tallying 78 points (69 kills, eight blocks, one ace), with a crucial 16 points delivered in the gold medal match against Brazil. Her presence on the court often seemed to stabilize Italy`s play, a trait invaluable in high-stakes encounters.
Monica De Gennaro: The Ageless Anchor
Perhaps the most remarkable story within the Italian quartet is that of 38-year-old libero Monica De Gennaro. Awarded the tournament`s “Best Libero” for the second time (her first since 2022), De Gennaro proved that experience can indeed trump all. She ranked an incredible third in the entire VNL for digs with 160, alongside 39 successful passes across 12 matches. Her defensive prowess and unwavering calm under pressure provided the foundational stability upon which Italy built its offensive triumphs. It seems the laws of physics, or perhaps just age, operate differently for some athletes.
Global Talent: Shining Stars from Brazil and Poland
While Italy dominated the selections, the VNL Dream Team would be incomplete without recognizing the outstanding contributions from the other medal-winning nations. Brazil, securing silver, and Poland, taking home bronze on home soil, each had players who left an indelible mark on the tournament.
Gabriela `Gabi` Guimarães (Brazil): Impactful Leadership
Brazil`s captain, Gabi, 30, demonstrated why she is considered one of the world`s premier outside hitters. Despite joining her team`s campaign halfway through (playing only the last nine matches), her impact was immediate and undeniable. This marks her fourth VNL Dream Team selection (2019, 2021, 2022, 2025), a clear indicator of her enduring quality. She still managed to rack up 112 points (97 kills, 13 blocks, and two aces), showcasing her ability to perform under pressure and elevate her team.
Julia Kudiess (Brazil): The Rookie Blocker
At just 22 years old, middle blocker Julia Kudiess is the youngest player and the only rookie to make the 2025 VNL Dream Team. Her inclusion speaks volumes about her breakout performance. Present in 14 of Brazil`s 15 matches, Kudiess led the VNL in blocks with an astounding 63 stops, effectively creating a wall at the net. Her offensive contributions were also significant, placing her as her team`s third-best scorer with 151 points (81 kills, 63 blocks, seven aces). A future star is clearly on the rise.
Agnieszka Korneluk (Poland): Consistent Defensive Power
Representing the bronze medalists, Poland`s 30-year-old captain, Agnieszka Korneluk, earned her place as a Dream Team middle blocker for the third consecutive year, and fourth time overall (2018, 2023, 2024, 2025). As the second-best blocker in the tournament, her defensive presence was pivotal to Poland`s strong showing. In 11 appearances, she contributed a solid 133 points (84 kills, 45 blocks, four aces), showcasing her dual threat capability.
A Dream Team Reflecting Dominance and Diversity
While Italy`s unprecedented four-player inclusion in the VNL 2025 Dream Team might seem almost… expected, given their back-to-back championship, it is nonetheless a profound testament to the depth and cohesive brilliance of their squad. It`s a rare feat to have such a significant portion of an “ideal” lineup come from a single national team, suggesting that their system is not just producing stars, but nurturing a collective synergy that is currently unrivaled.
Yet, the presence of Gabi, Julia, and Korneluk reminds us that individual excellence transcends national boundaries. These athletes, despite their teams not reaching the very top step of the podium, delivered performances that were undeniably world-class, influencing outcomes and inspiring fans. The Dream Team, in essence, becomes a snapshot of the season`s most impactful individual contributions, a narrative woven from power, precision, experience, and emerging talent.
As the VNL 2025 season closes, Italy`s reign at the summit of women`s international volleyball is clearer than ever. The Dream Team selections are not just awards; they are a historical record of who truly shone brightest on the global stage. We congratulate all selected athletes on their well-deserved recognition, eagerly anticipating their continued brilliance in future competitions.
