Italy Cements Volleyball Legend Status with Thrilling 3-2 Victory Over Türkiye in Bangkok
September 7, 2025, BANGKOK, Thailand – In a heart-stopping final at the 2025 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship, Italy’s national women’s volleyball team, the Azzurre, solidified their status as global legends, defeating Türkiye 3-2 in a five-set thriller at Huamark Indoor Stadium on September 7, 2025. The victory, marked by an explosion of joy from the Italian squad, capped a historic run, securing their second world title and completing a triple crown of Olympic, Volleyball Nations League, and World Championship victories.
A Match for the Ages
The final was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, with set scores of 25-23, 13-25, 26-24, 19-25, and 15-8 in favor of Italy. The Azzurre, led by head coach Julio Velasco, showcased resilience and tactical brilliance against a formidable Turkish side coached by Daniele Santarelli. The match, watched by 5,719 spectators and broadcast globally on Volleyball TV, was a testament to the sport’s intensity, with both teams trading blows in a battle that lasted over two hours.
Paola Egonu, Italy’s superstar, delivered a standout performance, scoring 22 points with 18 kills, three blocks, and an ace, while captain Myriam Sylla contributed 19 points, her leadership palpable in the decisive tie-break. Türkiye’s Melissa Vargas was the match’s top scorer with a staggering 33 points, including 28 kills, but Italy’s 14 blocks—compared to Türkiye’s 10—proved crucial in key moments, tilting the balance in their favor.
The Road to Glory
Italy’s path to the final was marked by dominance, entering the match with a 36-match win streak that included Olympic gold in Paris 2024 and the 2025 Volleyball Nations League title. Facing a Turkish team that had reached their first-ever World Championship final, the Azzurre leaned on their experience from previous finals in 2002 and 2018, where they won gold and silver, respectively. Türkiye, riding high after a semifinal win over Japan, fought valiantly but couldn’t overcome Italy’s firepower in the fifth set.
The match’s turning point came in the tie-break, where setter Alessia Orro’s strategic play and Egonu’s relentless attacks overwhelmed Türkiye, who faltered with service errors and blocked attacks. The final point sparked an eruption of joy, with Orro proudly waving the Sardinian “4 Moors” flag during the national anthem, a nod to her heritage and Italy’s diverse spirit.
A Celebration of Resilience
The victory was more than a sporting triumph; it was a cultural milestone. Italy’s team, featuring stars like Egonu, Sylla, and Ekaterina Antropova (14 points), showcased a blend of power and unity that has made them a global force. Three Italian players joined Türkiye’s Eda Erdem and Vargas on the tournament’s Dream Team, underscoring their dominance. For Türkiye, the silver medal marked a historic achievement, their best-ever finish, cementing their rise as a volleyball powerhouse after winning the 2023 European Championship and Nations League.
Social media erupted with praise for both teams. A post from @volleyballworld on X captured the moment: “Italy complete the TRIPLE CROWN 👑 — World Champs, Olympic Champs, and VNL Champs — with their 36th straight victory 🇮🇹.” Another user on X lauded the match’s intensity, calling it “a volleyball masterclass that’ll be talked about for years.”
A Legacy Cemented
For American fans, Italy’s triumph resonates as a display of volleyball’s universal appeal, echoing the U.S. women’s team’s own Olympic success in 2024. Italy’s victory, driven by stars like Egonu and Sylla—who have spoken out against racism and championed inclusivity—carries a deeper significance, reflecting a team that transcends sport. As the Azzurre celebrated in Bangkok, their joy was a reminder of volleyball’s power to unite and inspire, solidifying Italy’s place as a true legend in the sport.
Sources: Anadolu Agency, bianet.org, unionesarda.it, turkiyetoday.com, olympics.com, Wikipedia, X posts