Italy wins 5th world title after beating Bulgaria in FIVB final

Italy claimed its fifth FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship after defeating Bulgaria in the 2025 final held Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Italians prevailed in four sets, 25-21, 25-17, 17-25, 25-10, before a crowd of 15,682 fans. It marked Italy's second straight world crown and fifth overall, following their titles in 1990, 1994, 1998, and 2022.

Mattia Bottolo and Yuri Romano powered Italy with clutch serving. Bottolo closed the opening set and later delivered back-to-back aces in the fourth, while Romano unleashed five straight aces in the second set to give Italy control.

Bulgaria tried to rally in the third set behind Martin Atanasov and Asparuh Asparuhov, but Italy took charge again in the fourth, limiting them to just 10 points. Middle blocker Simone Anzani scored the championship point to seal the win.

Bulgaria settled for the silver medal, their first since 1970 and second in history.