Italy retained its world title after defeating Bulgaria in four sets, 25-21, 25-17, 17-25, 25-10, in the final of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025 on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The victory, witnessed by an official crowd of 15,682, gave Italy its second consecutive and fifth overall world championship after previous triumphs in 1990, 1994, 1998, and 2022. Bulgaria settled for silver, their second in history and first since 1970.

Mattia Bottolo and Yuri Romano sparked Italy’s offense with decisive serving runs. Bottolo closed the opening set and later delivered back-to-back aces in the fourth to help Italy secure the title. Romano fired five consecutive aces in the second set, giving Italy a commanding two-set lead.

Bulgaria responded in the third set behind Martin Atanasov and Asparuh Asparuhov to cut the deficit, but the defending champions reasserted control in the fourth, limiting their opponents to just 10 points. Middle blocker Simone Anzani sealed the championship point for the Italians.