The Volleyball Nations League 2025 has arrived at its most exhilarating stage: the semifinals. Four powerhouse nations—Italy, Poland, Brazil, and Japan—are poised to battle it out for a coveted spot in Sunday`s championship match, promising a weekend of high-stakes volleyball in Łódź, Poland.
Brazil and Japan are set to clash in the second semifinal, rekindling a fierce rivalry.
After a grueling Preliminary Phase and intense quarterfinals, the VNL 2025 has, with a predictability that might bore a less discerning observer, delivered the four top-ranked teams back to the semifinal stage. Yes, for those with a sense of déjà vu, these are precisely the same four nations that contested last year`s semifinals. One might almost suspect a script, but the athleticism on display is anything but rehearsed. Italy, Brazil, Japan, and Poland have consistently proven their mettle, culminating in this weekend`s pivotal matches at the Atlas Arena in Łódź.
Saturday`s agenda is packed with anticipation. The first semifinal will see defending champions Italy take on hosts Poland at 16:00 local time (14:00 GMT). Following that, a captivating encounter between Brazil and Japan is scheduled for 20:00 (18:00 GMT). The victors will then proceed to Sunday`s gold medal match, with the runners-up vying for bronze.
Italy vs. Poland: A Streak Meets Home Field Ambition
Italy arrives in Łódź with an aura of invincibility. Not only are they the reigning VNL champions, having claimed titles in both 2022 and 2024, but they also swept through the 2025 Preliminary Phase undefeated. Their quarterfinal win against the United States was a mere formality, extending their staggering winning streak to 27 matches, a testament to their unwavering dominance since VNL 2024. This isn`t just a team; it`s a well-oiled machine, boasting stars like opposite Paola Egonu, libero Monica De Gennaro, setter Alessia Orro, and middle blocker Anna Danesi. Their objective is clear: add another trophy to an already overflowing cabinet.
“We`re excited for a great battle against Poland,” remarked Italian outside hitter Alice Degradi. “I don`t expect this match to be anything like last year`s, so we should leave that in the past and be ready to write a new story. We`re feeling good as a team and have been playing very well in the VNL, but now we`ll face the best teams in the world.”
Facing this Italian juggernaut are the hosts, Poland. They finished fourth in the Preliminary Phase, securing nine wins and three losses, and demonstrated remarkable resilience by overcoming China in a dramatic five-set quarterfinal. After clinching bronze in the last two VNL editions, the Polish squad, guided by Italian coach Stefano Lavarini, is desperate to make that crucial next step to the gold medal match. They will rely heavily on the offensive prowess of opposite Magdalena Stysiak, the blocking power of middle blocker Agnieszka Korneluk, and the all-around contributions of outside hitters Martyna Łukasic and Martyna Czyrniańska. The home crowd, no doubt, will be a formidable seventh player on their side.
“We`ll focus on our game and do everything we can to cause an upset in the semifinals,” stated Polish libero Aleksandra Szczygłowska, embodying the fighting spirit.
Historically, the rivalry between Italy and Poland has been remarkably balanced, with each team securing five victories in their last ten encounters. This suggests that despite Italy`s imposing streak, Poland, buoyed by their passionate home support, could indeed provide an “upset” that would send ripples through the volleyball world.
Brazil vs. Japan: A Quest for Vengeance and Elusive Gold
The second semifinal pits Brazil, the second-best team of the Preliminary Phase with an impressive 12 wins and just one loss, against Japan. Brazil`s journey to the semifinals included a dominant three-set sweep against Germany in the quarterfinals. This marks their sixth VNL semifinal appearance, a remarkable record, yet the gold medal remains tantalizingly out of reach, with silver medals from 2019, 2021, and 2022 serving as persistent reminders. A recent blow came with the injury of top scorer Ana Cristina Souza, but head coach José ‘Zé Roberto’ Guimarães still commands a squad brimming with firepower, including star outside hitters Gabriela ‘Gabi’ Guimarães and Julia Bergmann, powerful opposite Rosamaria Montibeller, and promising middle blocker Julia Kudiess.
“We`ll need to be very patient against Japan,” Rosamaria Montibeller cautioned. “I know them very well because I`ve played in Japan in the last two seasons. They have an amazing defensive system, and we`ll need to find solutions for it. We need to continue to play as a team and push forward.”
Japan, last year`s silver medalists, earned their spot after finishing third in the Preliminary Phase with nine wins and three losses. Their quarterfinal clash against Türkiye was a grueling five-set affair that showcased their famed tenacity. Under the guidance of new Turkish coach Ferhat Akbaş, the Japanese rely on their distinctive fast-paced playing style and an almost supernatural defensive system that can frustrate even the most potent offenses. Key players like outside hitter Mayu Ishikawa, opposite Yukiko Wada, setter Nanami Seki, and libero Manami Kojima are instrumental to their unique approach.
“We have another big challenge ahead of us in the semifinals,” said Japanese outside hitter Yoshino Sato. “We lost to Brazil 3-0 recently and we`d like to take revenge for that match and see if we`ve learned from that defeat.”
The recent history between Brazil and Japan leans heavily in Brazil`s favor, with the South Americans triumphing in their two most recent encounters, including a match in the VNL 2025 Preliminary Phase and even a pool play game during the Paris 2024 Olympics. Over the last ten matches, Brazil has secured eight victories to Japan`s two. This makes Japan`s quest for revenge all the more compelling; can they finally crack the Brazilian code on such a grand stage?
The Stage is Set
As the VNL 2025 semifinals commence, the stakes couldn`t be higher. We are set to witness not just volleyball matches, but strategic battles, individual brilliance, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. Whether it`s Italy`s seemingly unbreakable stride, Poland`s surge driven by national pride, Brazil`s enduring quest for gold, or Japan`s tactical masterclass seeking redemption, Łódź is prepared for a weekend that will undoubtedly etch new chapters into the annals of volleyball history. May the best teams, or perhaps, the most resilient, prevail.
