Italy won the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship Poland Slovenia 2022 on Sunday (11 September), defeating co-hosts and two-time defending champions Poland 3-1.
After dropping the first set 25-22, the European champions Italy came from behind with a vengeance. The Italians responded magnificently by storming back to win three consecutive sets (25-21, 25-18, and 25-20)
In the gold medal match, Italy benefited from the outstanding performances of their three main offensive players. Outside hitter Daniele Lavia led the way with a match-high 19 points, with 16 kills, two blocks, and one ace. Fellow outside hitter Michieletto came right behind with 14 points (11 kills, two blocks, one ace), one more than opposite Yuri Romanò, who produced all of his 13 points in kills.
A few hours earlier, Brazil defeated Slovenia 3-1 to claim bronze, taking their place on the podium for the sixth-straight time at a World Championship, following golds in 2002, 2006, and 2010, and silvers in 2014 and 2018. The title was the fourth won by the Italians, who also topped the podium in 1990, 1994, and 1998. Their country is now the second with the most triumphs in the competition, trailing only the former Soviet Union, which won the World Championship in 1949, 1952, 1960, 1962, 1978, and 1982.
Also, in this match, star setter Simone Giannelli was named the Most Valuable Player of the 20th edition of the tournament, which came to an end in Katowice on Sunday.Giannelli ended his second World Championship appearance ranked first among the players in his position, with 139 positive setting actions and a success rate of 26.83%. He also tallied 11 kills, eight blocks, five aces and 25 digs during the Italian campaign in Poland and Slovenia.
“It was incredible to play here, the Polish fans are amazing,” he said after the gold medal match. “They cheer their team a lot, but they are very kind to their opponents. I appreciate the atmosphere they created here. I would like to thank all of them, they for sure breathe volleyball.”