MANILA, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Italy successfully defended its FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship title as it defeated Bulgaria 3-1 in the final on Sunday.
It is Italy's second consecutive and fifth overall world title, after its triumphs in 1990, 1994, 1998 and 2022.
Despite usual excessive errors from the serving line, Bulgaria managed to step two points ahead in the middle of the first set, but then Italy took control with five points in a row on back of stellar performance from outside hitter Mattia Bottolo before claiming the set at 25-21.
The second set was contested hotly, with Bulgaria trying hard to stay close, but Italian opposite Yuri Romano, who was continuing his excellent performance from the first set, decided the set with an amazing five aces in a row. Three rallies later, another ace, this time from Bottolo, helped Italy take the second set at 25-17.
Bulgaria finally started to have its momentum in the third set, taking control on the court and took the set 25-17.
In the fourth set, Italy was never really tested by its rival, winning at 25-10 to take the eventual victory.
Romano led Italy with 22 points, while Bottolo and outside hitter Alessandro Michieletto added 19 and 11 points apiece.
Earlier in the day, Poland overcame the second set slump to beat the Czech Republic 3-1 (25-18, 23-25, 25-22, 25-21) for the bronze. Star outside hitter Wilfredo Leon led Poland with 26 points, while Kewin Sasak added 11 points. ■
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