Quarterfinals kick off in style with Italy and Poland advancing

Italy was the first to book their place in the semifinals of the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship after proving too strong for Belgium, and Poland soon joined them by overcoming Türkiye in Pasay City, as the quarterfinals opened with all-European battles.

Italy set the pace early in the match, dominating the opening set with a commanding 25-13 win. Although Belgium showed some improvement in the second set, Italy maintained control until Roberto Russo sealed it with a block, finishing 25-18. 

Belgium stayed tied at 10-10 in the third set before Italy pulled ahead. Once again, it was Russo who had the final word, this time with a powerful ace to seal the set 25-18 and complete the 3-0 victory (25-13, 25-18, 25-18).

Russo was the standout performer, scoring 12 points on four kill blocks, two aces, and a 75% attack rate. Alessandro Michieletto added 11 points, including four aces, while Mattia Bottolo chipped in with 10, all from attack.

For Belgium, 22-year-old opposite Ferre Reggers led all scorers with 13 points in attack, while captain Sam Deroo contributed 11, but their efforts were not enough to challenge the title holders.

Italy’s win puts them into the semifinals, where they continue their defense of the crown.

The second quarterfinal saw Poland take control right from the start. They built an early lead in the first set and stretched it out to win 25-15 without much trouble. The second set was more balanced, with Türkiye pushing hard and staying close, but Poland pulled away in the final points to take it 25-22.

In the third, Türkiye kept pace up to the middle of the set, but once Poland broke away, there was no stopping them. They wrapped it up 25-19 to finish the match 3-0 (25-15, 25-22, 25-19).

Wilfredo Leon and Jakub Kochanowski were Poland’s top scorers with 13 points apiece. On the other side, Adis Lagumdzija once again led Türkiye with 12 points, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.

The stats showed Türkiye’s effort in defense. They finished with more digs (34 to 29) and more receptions (55 to 43), but Poland used their chances better and made the points count.

Italy and Poland have claimed the first two semifinal spots at the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship and will now face each other for a place in the final. Italy, the defending champions, swept Belgium, while Poland overpowered Türkiye to join them in the last four. Their clash is set to be one of the tournament's highlights, and it is also a repeat of the 2022 gold medal match, when Italy beat hosts Poland 3-1 to claim their fourth World Championship title in history.