World champion Italy defeated Bulgaria 3:1 and defended its title in the final of the Volleyball World Championship in Pasay City.
The Bulgarian national team, which has the youngest squad in the tournament, entered the battle for gold with great enthusiasm, but the Italians’ serve proved decisive for the final outcome of the match.
Fifty-five years after winning the silver medals at the World Championship in Sofia, the “tricolors” are once again among the strongest volleyball forces in the world. This is Bulgaria’s sixth World Championship title.
World Championship medals for Bulgaria:
• Silver medals: Philippines 2025, Sofia 1970
• Bronze medals: Japan 2006, France 1986, USSR 1952, Czechoslovakia 1949
Final: Italy – Bulgaria 3:1 (25:21, 25:17, 17:25, 25:11)
Coach Gianlorenzo Blenghini relied on the usual starting lineup: Simeon Nikolov, Alex Grozdanov, Iliya Petkov, Asparuh Asparuhov, Martin Atanasov, Alexander Nikolov and libero Damyan Kolev.
First game
Italy started with an early lead – 2:0, after Yuri Romano played a diagonal pass from zone 2 and successfully blocked a Bulgarian attack through the center. Simeon Nikolov trusted Alex Grozdanov, who scored our first point – 1:2.
The world champion tried to press with a powerful serve aimed at Damyan Kolev, but our libero did an excellent job. The tie remained until 6:6, when Alexander Nikolov realized a counterattack after good defense.
Bulgaria took the lead 10:9 after a long game and a mistake by the Italian Mattia Bottolo. A video check followed at 10:10, won by Italy. By the middle of the game the difference was minimal, but at 14:12 Bottolo made an ace – 14:14.
Botolo’s powerful opening shot shook the Bulgarian defense, and after new attacks Italy took the lead with 18:15. Blenghini called a timeout and made a substitution – Georgi Tatarov came in for Asparuh Asparuhov.
Bulgaria came close to a point – 20:21, after two consecutive blocks and an error by Italy. After a break, the Italians took control again – an ace by Roberto Russo and a set point, and the game ended with 25:21 for Italy.
Second game
Alexander Nikolov started hard against a triple block – 1:0. Simone Anzani blocked Iliya Petkov – 4:1 for Italy. Bulgaria tied at 4:4 after a series by Simeon Nikolov. Gianelli started using second line combinations with Micchieleto. Botolo realized an ace – 8:5. Georgi Tatarov appeared in the game, and Asparuh Asparuhov made it difficult for the opponent with a series of serves. Alexander Nikolov was the leader in the attack – 11:11.
Errors in service and attack, as well as a single block against Bulgaria, led to 11:14. Simeon Nikolov showed a strong serve, and the defense caused an error in the Italian court – 16:17. At 16:18, however, a gap between Simeon and Alexander Nikolov allowed Italy to take the lead again.
Romano’s strong serve brought three more points in a row – 23:16. The game ended with another ace by Botolo – 25:17.
Third game
Bulgaria started aggressively and actively through the center – 3:3. Alexander Nikolov scored an important point for 10:9, and in the next set Bulgaria led 11:9 after successful defense and attack from zone 4.
A unique play at 13:10 – Simeon Nikolov returned the ball from the bench, and Alexander Nikolov attacked on the block! Asparuh Asparuhov added a block – 14:10. After a new triple block – 17:11!
Bulgaria continued with a strong game – 20:14 after an ace by Alexander Nikolov. An excellent attack from the second line and another mistake by Italy brought the 23rd point. An ace by Martin Atanasov secured a set point, and the game ended at 25:17.
Fourth game
Italy increased their aggression from the opening kick. Asparuhov attacked in the outfield – 3:5. After a distracted reception, Italy led 3:6, and Venislav Antov and later Preslav Petkov entered the game.
Venislav Antov made three consecutive successful attacks – 6:10, but Italy continued to dominate – 8:14. At 10:20 Botolo made two consecutive aces. After a block against Asparuhov and another ace by Botolo, the score became 10:23.
Match point for Italy, and Simone Anzani closed the match – 11:25.
Final result: Italy – Bulgaria 3:1
Italy defended their world title. The Italians outplayed us with their opening shot, scoring 13 direct points and adding 10 from blocks. The Bulgarian team finished with 4 aces and 4 blocks.
The top scorer for Bulgaria was Alexander Nikolov with 23 points (1 ace and 1 block). Even before the final, he won the individual scoring ranking with 173 points – the most at the World Championship.
Quite deservedly, Alexander Nikolov and captain Alex Grozdanov were included in the ideal team of the championship.