Clash of the titans for World Championship gold

A battle between the giants – a battle for the ages, which will make history in women’s volleyball. The final of the 2025 FIVB Women’s World Championship will see Türkiye and Italy collide for the gold medal, in what will surely be a mouthwatering clash between two of the most consistent teams of the last years in women’s volleyball.

In one corner – Türkiye, the reigning European champions. In the other corner, Italy, the reigning Olympic champions and the winners of the 2025 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League, the only two unbeaten teams so far in Thailand, the two European powerhouses which will determine which one will be the new world champion, a competition won by European sides in five of the last six editions.

Italy have been perennial contenders, having won the title in 2002, 23 years ago, and finished on the podium in each of the last two editions – second in Japan 2018, and third in Netherlands/Poland 2023. On the other hand, Türkiye have already secured their maiden medal in the competition, with their best performance previously being the sixth place in 2010.

The rivalry between Türkiye and Italy has flared up over the last years, especially since Italian coach Daniele Santarelli, took over the “Sultanları” in 2023. Santarelli led Türkiye to the title in the CEV EuroVolley Women in 2023 and to another title  at the 2024 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League.

But this final looks to be the toughest challenge Santarelli has had so far, with Italy coming in absolutely red-hot form. In fact, Italy have won all their last 35 official matches, with the last loss coming in June 2024, 2:3, against Brazil, in the 2024 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League.

In that 35-match winning streak, Italy have beat Türkiye four times: 3:1 in the 2024 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League, 3:0 and 3:0 at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and most recently, 3:2, in the 2025 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League on 12 July.

"This is a team and character victory," said Ekaterina Antropova after the win against Brazil in the semi-finals, which saw Sarah Fahr and Alessia Orro twist their ankles.

 "We played for each other, looking each other in the eye and supporting each other in every phase of the match. This attitude was the key to the match, which was difficult, as we expected, but perhaps that's precisely why it was wonderful to bring it home."

On the other hand, Türkiye had to rely deep on Melissa Vargas, the MVP of the CEV EuroVolley Women 2023, who scored 28 points in the comeback win against Japan in the semi-finals, after conceding the first set, 16:25.

“We always put our souls on the court and we showed again who we are. I’m very proud of the team. It feels like a dream, I don’t think I can understand what we just achieved right now. But we’ll forget this match very soon and focus on the final,” said setter Cansu Özbay.

So far, Vargas is the top scorer of the competition, with 119 points, while Italy have Paola Egonu (107 points) in top form.

The final will start at 14:30 CEST in Bangkok, with Brazil and Japan fighting for the bronze medal, after conceding losses in the semi-finals.