De Giorgi`s Squad Dominates European Champions with a Superb Performance in Manila
Manila, Philippines – September 27, 2025. The air in the Mall of Asia Arena crackled with anticipation. Two giants of men`s volleyball, Italy and Poland, squared off in a highly anticipated FIVB World Championship semi-final. What unfolded was not just a match, but a tactical and emotional crescendo from the Italian squad, culminating in a resounding 3-0 victory that felt both dominant and, at times, miraculously snatched from the jaws of a formidable opponent. Italy`s journey to the final against Bulgaria was secured with a display of courage, precision, and a bench so deep it could rival an ocean trench.
The Pre-Match Gambit: Kurek`s Unorthodox Role
The pre-match narrative took an unexpected turn with the revelation that Polish powerhouse Bartosz Kurek, suffering from an abdominal injury sustained in morning training, would be “dressed as a libero.” A true testament to Poland`s fighting spirit, perhaps, or a subtle nod to the cruel ironies sports often present. His replacement, Sasak, who had featured in the VNL final, found himself under immediate pressure, contributing to a slight unsteadiness in Poland`s initial rhythm. This unforced adjustment likely influenced the strategic landscape, pushing both teams to adapt on the fly.
First Set: Weathering the Storm
The initial exchanges were a tight affair, a feeling-out process punctuated by service errors from both sides – though Poland`s tally edged slightly higher. It wasn`t long before Poland, leveraging their formidable block, carved out a lead, pushing from 6-all to 10-7 on the back of four powerful blocks, two courtesy of Semeniuk. Yet, Italy, under Ferdinando De Giorgi`s astute guidance, refused to buckle. The anticipated duel between Italy`s Michieletto and Poland`s Leon materialized, with each player demonstrating moments of explosive power. However, it was Italian opposite Romanò who truly began to assert his presence, executing a monumental block on Leon to level the score at 14-14. He followed this with a crucial counter-attack, building Italy`s momentum. A misstep by Komenda further widened the gap, and Italy reached set point at 24-20. Mattia Bottolo then closed out the set with a decisive point, 25-21, setting a tense precedent for what was to follow.
Mattia Bottolo (right) and Alessandro Michieletto (left) of Italy in action during the semi-final match against Poland.
Second Set: The Rise of the Substitutes
The second set mirrored the first`s early tension, with Poland once again seizing an early lead, 8-6, thanks to a third block in the set, this time by Huber on Gargiulo. Italy`s setter, Giannelli, then took to the service line, delivering an ace that signaled a shift in momentum. Michieletto, with an almost `unnatural` display of agility, launched a cross-court attack from an adventurous setup, defying expectations and drawing gasps from the crowd. Aces followed from Romanò and Bottolo, pushing Italy ahead 20-16. But Poland, ever resilient, mounted a fierce comeback. Leon`s powerful attacks and Italy`s momentary reception struggles allowed Poland to draw level at 20-20, then surge ahead 21-22. This was the defining moment, the “moment of heroes.”
“It was the moment of heroes. Not only did Polish attacks seem incapable of touching the ground, but even their blocks couldn`t. We pulled off at least three digs that should be replayed for centuries.”
Enter Francesco Sani. With Italy teetering, Sani, who had seen minimal court time prior, stepped up to serve. His first serve forced a difficult reception from Komenda, leading to a wide attack from Semeniuk. The second further disrupted Poland`s defense, allowing Bottolo to land a critical counter-attack. Then, with an almost theatrical flourish, Sani delivered an unreturnable ace, closing the set 25-22 and solidifying his place in Italian volleyball lore. It was a service masterclass, turning the tide with just a few precise swings.
Third Set: Sealing Destiny
Undeterred, Poland unleashed a furious response in the third set, with Huber leading the charge, disrupting Italy`s reception and establishing a commanding 5-1 lead. De Giorgi, demonstrating his tactical acumen, brought in Luca Porro for Bottolo. Despite Poland`s continued service errors, Italy found their rhythm. Russo`s crucial block on Leon provided a much-needed signal: Italy wasn`t letting anyone get away. Romanò, with two powerful serves, set up a block by Giannelli and a strong attack from Porro, narrowing the gap. Russo once again denied Leon at the net. Michieletto delivered an ace, leveling the score at 18-18. Once more, Sani was called upon, and once more, he delivered, assisting Anzani`s block on Huber, who had been particularly aggressive. Another Sani ace, another Anzani block, and Italy held a 22-19 lead. Poland, with Leon serving, launched one last desperate charge, closing to 22-21. After a prolonged, breathless rally that seemed to hang in the air indefinitely, it was Porro who ultimately brought the ball down, reaching match point at 24-21. A final block by Huber brought Poland tantalizingly close at 24-23, but it was Alessandro Michieletto, fittingly, who hammered home the final point, 25-23, sending Italy into the final. It was a climax befitting an epic encounter.
De Giorgi`s Vision: A Bench of Heroes
This victory was as much a testament to individual brilliance as it was to Coach De Giorgi`s strategic foresight and his ability to cultivate a deep, versatile squad. Romanò was monumental, Michieletto exceptional, Giannelli the epitome of precision. But the crucial interventions from the bench – Francesco Sani`s game-changing serves and Luca Porro`s impactful attacking – highlighted a team where every player is a potential hero. De Giorgi himself etched his name further into history, reaching his fifth World Championship final as a coach, an unparalleled achievement in the sport.
Marcin Komenda of Poland reacts during the semi-final match.
The Road Ahead: Bulgaria Awaits
With the reigning European champions dispatched, Italy now turns its attention to the final, where they will face Bulgaria, coached by former Italian national team coach Blengini. The stage is set for another thrilling encounter, with Italy aiming to replicate their 2022 success and potentially claim a second consecutive World Championship title. The team`s current form, characterized by their “heroic, wonderful, intense, and humble” approach, suggests they are more than ready for the challenge. As the volleyball world watches, Italy`s quest for glory continues, fueled by a blend of raw talent, tactical genius, and an unyielding spirit.
Murray Blackwood