Although lacking the glamour of the Olympic Games or the prestigious aura of the World Championship, the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) remainsa key stage in the international calendar, and the 2025 edition is proof of that. With a new format, more intrigue, and a chance for surprises, this year's tournament promises high intensity and a dose of unpredictability.

🎙️ The websitevolleynews.itsought the expert opinion of Sara Pavan— an analyst, podcaster, and former Canadian indoor and beach champion, who explains what changes this year's VNL brings and why the tournament deserves much more attention.

🔍 What makes VNL so important?

"This is a unique tournamentbecause it allows national teams to try new schemes, different players — including younger or less experienced ones. This is impossible during an Olympics or a World Championship. Additionally, the VNL is held in different parts of the world, which increases the visibility of our sport and engages new audiences,” says Pavan.

🆕 18-team format and relegation: fairer volleyball

Among the main novelties arethe elimination of the division between “core teams” and “challengers”andthe introduction of a relegation mechanism. According to Sara, this will make the tournament more dynamic and democratic:

“Teams will have to fight at all costs — even if they are not chasing finals. And smaller national teams will see more meaning in their participation. This is a big step towards a more realistic and open competition.”

🇨🇿🇧🇪 Debut for Czechia and return of Belgium

The new edition brings freshness also in terms of team compositions —The Czech Republic makes its debut, and Belgium returns after a two-season breakAccording to Pavan, their participation is a golden opportunity:

"They might not win many matches, butthey will play against the best in the world- and that will accelerate their development. They will gain experience, confidence, and visibility, even at the club level."

⚔️ Favorites and surprises

The usual suspects are expected at the top -Italy, Turkey, and BrazilwhileUSA and Serbiaare in transition and may lose ground. Among the possible surprises, Pavan points outNetherlands and the Dominican Republicwho have the potential to sneak into the top.

🇮🇹 Italy - favorite No. 1

"Italy is the main favorite. The team is almost unchanged from Paris 2024 and no longer needs to prove anything. I think they will play with more ease. Balance, experience, and maturity are its main weapons."

🇹🇷 Santarelli and Turkey: a recipe for success

Sara Pavan also praisesDaniele Santarelli, Turkey's national coach:

"Even in his first season, he transformed the team. Now, in the third year, with a familiar squad and an established style, I believe wewill see Turkey among the top three in the final standings."

🇺🇸 Revolution in the USA: new style, new faces

The United States is sendingonly three players from the Olympic squad. According to Pavan, this will change the overall game:

"The new players are more physical, but the team loses some of its typical ball control and dominant middle blockers. I expect a change in attacking style - with more power, but also more risks."

🏁Summary
VNL 2025 is shaping up to be atournament with a wider field for breakthroughs, more question marks, and opportunities for the new faces of world volleyball. As Sara Pavan emphasized - here, it's not just volleyball being played, but the future of the sport being built.

🖋 Prepared based on an interview byvolleynews.it with Sara Pavan.