Italy is once again in the final of the U21 World Championship. The team, led by Vincenzo Fanizza, triumphed in the semi-final against the Czech Republic with a convincing3:0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-18)in Jiangmen, China. Thus, the "Azzurrini" reach their second consecutive final battle after the silver fromthe U18 European Championship in Sofia in 2024.when Italy lost to France.

Today, however, the team has a chance to write a new page in history – if they win gold in Jiangmen, Manuel Zlatanov can become a two-time world champion, having already lifted the cup in August 2024 and been namedMVPof the first-everU17 World Championship in Sofia.

Match Development

First Set (25-20):
From the very first rallies, Italy demonstrated confidence and stability. Serves and precise attacks quickly gave them an advantage – 5:2, 9:5. Control remained in the hands of the Italians until the end, and Tommaso Barotto closed the set with a down-the-line attack.

Second Set (25-22):
Here, the Czech Republic managed to put up a fight. The score went point for point for a long time – 13:13, 19:19. A key moment came with an ace from captain Magliano for 17:15, and in the decisive rallies, Barotto once again showed class and closed the set with a clever shot off the block.

Third Set (25-18):
Italy increased the tempo and literally gave no chance to their opponent. An early advantage of 9:5, then 13:7, and a calm conclusion. The final point was again scored by Barotto – this time with a powerful diagonal shot.

A Look at the Final

The final will be played on Sunday, August 31, at 2:00 PM against the winner of the other semi-final pair USA – Iran. Italy enters the match with the ambition to erase the bitterness of European silver and reach the world summit.

Manuel Zlatanov and company have already proven that they possess strength, technique, and character – qualities that can lead them to historic gold and a second world distinction for Zlatanov within just one year.