Poland edge Italy to secure historic second crown in Nations League Men

Poland etched their name into history after winning their second title in the FIVB Men's Volleyball Nations League, with a dominating 3:0 win against Italy in the final of this edition. 

This was Poland’s second title in the history of the competition, tying France and Russia as the most decorated teams, with the European side securing six medals so far in seven editions of the FIVB Men's Volleyball Nations League.

Finishing fifth at the end of the preliminary round meant that Poland’s path towards the title would be difficult, but they threw off the final round in Ningbo, China, with a dominating win against Japan, 3:0 (25:23; 26:24; 25:12).

That meant that Poland had to overcome Brazil in the semi-finals, with the South American side having the best record by that point of the competition, with 12 wins and a single loss.

But once again, Poland proved too strong, and in a match where Kewin Sasak scored 18 points, they dished Brazil a dominating loss, 3:0, setting up a crunch 100% European final against Italy, which had dominated Cuba and Slovenia in the previous matches of the final round, winning against both by the same scoreline, 3:1.

However, there was no question about the winner in the final, as Poland put up yet another clinical performance, being unstoppable at times, with another strong outing confirming their title credentials.

Nikola Grbić’s side took the first set, 25:22, and then never looked back, with a flawless display where they conceded only 33 points in the next two sets, clinching their second title in the competition with a 25:19 and a 25:14 win in the next sets.

Poland’s Cuban-born star outside hitter Wilfredo Leon proved an excellent replacement for injured Tomasz Fornal in this match. Leon was the best scorer of the gold medal showdown with 16 points, with Kamil Semeniuk adding 14 more points.

“This means a lot! I know that they were waiting for my comeback to play at a high level, so I tried to do my best. I told them, ‘I will not leave you alone, guys! Fornal got injured, but I will be there!’ I did my best! So, we got the gold medal and I am really happy and proud!” Wilfredo Leon told VBTV.

Italy finished second securing their maiden medal in the competition, while Brazil clinched the bronze medal, with a 3:1 win over Slovenia in the podium match.