Italy defeated USA and returned to the top 3 of VNL 2025

The reigning world champions Italy successfully concluded the second week of VNL 2025 with a convincing 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-18) victory over hosts USA in Chicago. After the defeat to Brazil a day earlier, the Italians showed a completely different face and completely dominated the match. With this victory, they finished the week with three wins and one loss, and with a total of 17 points (6 wins, 2 losses), they climbed to third place in the provisional standings, behind Brazil (20 pts) and Poland (18 pts).

The top scorer for Italy was new addition Kamil Rychlicki with 17 points (13 attacks, 3 aces, 1 block). Michieletto and Poro added 12 and 10 points respectively.

For the USA, who recorded wins over China and Canada but lost to Poland and Italy, the best players were Cooper Robinson (11 pts) and Gabi Garcia (10 pts). They finished their home series with 10 points (4 wins, 4 losses) and 13th place in the standings.

Brazil topped the standings after defeating Poland

In the battle at the top in Chicago, Brazil defeated Poland 3-1 (25-21, 25-21, 21-25, 28-26) and finished the second week with a perfect balance of 4 wins. The Brazilians now have 20 points (7 wins, 1 loss) and lead the standings ahead of Poland (18 pts).

Darlan Sousa replaced his brother Alan in the starting lineup and scored an impressive 26 points (all from attack). Honorato, Bergman, and Judson each added 13 points, while captain Flavio Gualberto contributed 11.

Poland was led by Kamil Semeniuk (17 pts) and Artur Szalpuk (15 pts), with middle blocker Jakub Nowak making 12 pts, including 7 blocks.

With their victory, Brazil added 14.04 points to the FIVB World Ranking and climbed from 6th to 4th place.

Canada with first win of the week, China falls

Canada won convincingly against China with a 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-23) score. With 11 points (3 wins, 5 losses), they are in 14th place. China is 15th with 7 points (2 wins, 6 losses).

The top scorer for Canada was Ketrzynski with 21 points (14 attacks, 4 aces, 3 blocks), while Hoogendorn and Van Berkel added 17 and 11 respectively. For China, captain Jiang Chuan scored 15 points, and Yu Yuantai - 10.

Argentina held onto a final-round spot after a five-set battle with Cuba

In Belgrade, Argentina defeated Cuba 3-2 (23-25, 25-23, 25-21, 21-25, 15-11) and finished the week with two wins, including over host Serbia. The South Americans now have 13 points and occupy 7th place - in the qualification zone for the finals in Ningbo (July 30 - August 3). Cuba is 9th with 13 pts, but with only 4 wins.

Germán Gómez scored 22 points (all from attack), and Palonsky added 18. For Cuba, captain Miguel Lopez scored 18 points, and Masso - 17.

Iran and Germany with wins in Belgrade

• Iran - Netherlands3-2 (25-19, 22-25, 21-25, 25-19, 15-9)

• Germany - Serbia3-1 (25-20, 25-21, 23-25, 25-17)

What's next?

VNL 2025 will have a one-week break. Women return to the court from July 9-13. Men continue from July 16-20, with tournaments in Chiba (Japan), Gdansk (Poland), and Ljubljana (Slovenia).

✅Standings before the third week - Volleyball Nations League 2025 (men)