Defending champion Italy stunned World No. 1 Poland, 25-21, 25-22, 25-23, to arrange a title showdown with Bulgaria in the FIVB Men’s World Championship.

Bulgaria defeated Czechia, 25-20, 23-25, 25-21, 25-22, in the other semifinal match at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Opposite Yuri Romano finished with 15 points off 12 attacks, two blocks and one ace for the Italians, who unseated the Poles in 2022 before the hometown crowd in Katowice City.

Outside hitter Alessandro Michieletto chipped in 12 points (11 attacks and one ace) while middle blocker Roberto Russo had six points (three attacks and three blocks) for World No. 2 Italy, which is eyeing a fifth title after also winning in 1990, 1994 and 1998.

“I think that my team deserved this result. They played with good intensity,” Italy coach Ferdinando De Giorgi said.

“I am proud of my team, not because it’s unbelievable, but because they played very, very good.”

Cuban-born Wilfredo Leon Venero, who missed the last edition due to a knee injury, topscored for Poland with 14 points (12 attacks and two blocks).

Opposite Kewin Sasak contributed nine points (eight attacks and one block), while Kamil Semeniuk, named Best Outside Hitter in the last edition, added seven points (four attacks and three blocks).

Reigning Volleyball Nations League Most Volleyball Player Jakub Kochanowski and Norbert Huber scored six points each.

“For sure, the situation now is not easy, because we lost the possibility to win the gold medal at a World Championship, but we still have a chance to win a medal. So, it is important for us to go back, try to rest our minds and play our best volleyball to grab the medal. A medal is a medal, and it’s always nice to win something,” Semeniuk said.

“Obviously, Italy played a great game tonight. Congratulations to them for playing amazingly! We had some chances, but we didn’t use them.” (PNA)