Three out of the four European teams that entered the final stage of the 2025 FIVB Men`s Volleyball Nations League have successfully advanced to the semifinals. Italy, Slovenia, and Poland secured their spots by winning their respective matches.
France was the only European team eliminated, falling 1:3 to Slovenia and thus failing to defend their title from the previous tournament.
Slovenia has reached the semifinals for the third time in the last five years, after finishing fourth in both 2021 and 2024. This year, following an outstanding quarter-final performance against France, the European powerhouse now has a strong opportunity to win a medal.
Tonček Štern, the opposite hitter, was pivotal for Slovenia, scoring 17 points in their 3:1 victory. Slovenia started strong, winning the first set 25:22, but a determined French team took the second 25:15. However, Slovenia regained their momentum, dominating the subsequent sets 25:19 and 25:18 to secure their semifinal spot.
Poland delivered the most decisive quarter-final victory among the European teams. They overcame their recent struggles from the preliminary round to sweep Japan 3:0. After tightly contested first two sets, won 25:23 and 26:24, Poland dominated the third set with a commanding 25:12 score, securing a straight-sets win.
Poland`s opposite, Kewin Sasak, maintained his impressive performance throughout this FIVB Men`s Volleyball Nations League, contributing 15 points. Tomasz Fornal also played a key role, adding 11 points.
This marks Poland`s sixth consecutive appearance in the FIVB Men`s Volleyball Nations League semifinals, a streak during which they have consistently medaled. Their achievements include a title in 2023, a silver medal in 2021, and bronze medals in 2019, 2022, and 2024.
Poland is set to face Brazil in the semifinals, a team boasting the best record in the 2025 FIVB Men`s Volleyball Nations League with 12 wins and only one loss. The other semifinal will be an all-European clash between Slovenia and Italy.
Italy, aiming for their first-ever title in this competition, showcased dominance against Cuba in the quarter-finals. With the second-best record from the preliminary round, Italy was led by superb performances from Alessandro Michieletto and Kamil Rychlicki, who collectively scored 33 points.
Italy secured the first two sets 25:18 and 25:19, then conceded the third 20:25. However, they powerfully rebounded in the fourth set, winning it 25:21 to clinch the match and advance to the semifinals for the third time in their history.
Both semifinals – Slovenia vs. Italy and Brazil vs. Poland – are scheduled for Saturday, August 2nd. The matches for medals will follow on August 3rd, all taking place in Ningbo, China.
