Victory called and Italy responded once again, as they were crowned champions of the 2025 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League.
The Paris 2024 Olympic volleyball champions dug deep in the final, defeating Olympic bronze medallists Brazil 3-1 (22-25, 25-18, 25-22, 25-22) on Sunday (27 July).
Italy have successfully defended their VNL title in Łódź, Poland, sealing their title defence with a third triumph in four years and tying the USA as the most decorated nation in women’s VNL history.
Olympic champion Ekaterina Antropova topped the scoring charts in the final with an impressive 18 points, followed by teammate and fellow gold medallist Myriam Fatime Sylla on 16 points.
The final was contested between the top two teams from the preliminary round, and in the end, Italy built on their 12-0 record with convincing victories in the final stage against the USA (quarter-finals), Poland (semis) and finally, Brazil.
Indeed, the South Americans were the first team to take a set off the reigning VNL champions in Łódź, aiming for a first final triumph in four attempts. Brazil garnered belief with a superb start, though conscious that much remained to be done.
However, Italy were too strong and showed why they are the queens of volleyball, working their way back set by set to seize control of affairs and reclaim their crown.