After the historic Olympic gold in Paris, the Italian women's national volleyball team continued their winning streak and won the 2025 Volleyball Nations League, defeating Brazil 3:1 (22:25, 25:18, 25:22, 25:22) in the final in Łódź, Poland.
This was the 29th consecutive victory for Julio Velasco's team, who transformed the "Squadra Azzurra" from the moment of his appointment in 2024. The clash with the Brazilians offered everything - drama, strong individual performances, crucial intervention from the reserves, and solid tactics.
📊 Match Statistics
| Statistic | Italy | Brazil |
|---|---|---|
| Attacks | 57 | 45 |
| Blocks | 14 | 12 |
| Aces | 3 | 2 |
| Points from opponent's errors | 22 | 28 |
| Total points won | 96 | 87 |
Italy dominated in offense and blocking, impressing with stability in defense and composure in decisive moments. Although they made more errors than their opponent, the Italians compensated with high efficiency in key elements.
🛡️ Team Defense and Distribution
| Statistic | Italy | Brazil |
|---|---|---|
| Attacks | 57 | 45 |
| Blocks | 14 | 12 |
| Aces | 3 | 2 |
| Points from opponent's errors | 22 | 28 |
| Total points won | 96 | 87 |
Both sides showed excellent defense, but Italy's ball handling before the attack was more effective, especially after Cambi entered in the fourth set. Italy showed depth and adaptability.
👑 Top scorers
| Player | Points | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Antropova (No. 24) | 17 | Italy |
| Sylla (No. 17) | 16 | Italy |
| Gabi (No. 10) | 15 | Brazil |
| Julia (No. 8) | 12 | Brazil |
Antropova and Sylla were Italy's engines in attack, especially in the second half of the match. Antropova's entry in Egonu's place gave the team a new face.
📝 Key moments:
🇧🇷First set:Brazil turns around with a 10-3 run, including substitute setter Roberta. Degradi makes mistakes and the Italians lose the set.
🇮🇹Second set:Strong start with blocks from Danesi and Sylla. The entry of Antropova and Nervini compensates for the loss of Degradi, who got injured.
🔁 Third set:Velasco replaces Egonu with Antropova, and the young Nervini inspires her teammates. The final blow comes from Antropova.
⚖️ Fourth set:Entry for setter Cambi, who brings freshness. The game goes point for point, but Sylla and Fahr close the match with character.
⚠️ The only shadow: Degradi's injury
During the second set, Alice Degradi suffered a knee injury after a block and was stretchered off the court. The extent of her injury will become clear in the coming days, but there is a real risk she might miss the upcoming World Championship, which starts on August 22nd.
🏆 Velasco once again showed genius
The tournament showed why Julio Velasco is one of the greatest coaches in history. His bold decisions - such as changing the setter and star Egonu - proved crucial. His team plays with grit, depth, and believes in the collective.
