Exciting Women's Volleyball World

With the conclusion of the 2025 FIVB Nations League (VNL), women's volleyball is witnessing a clear shift in power as established forces like the USA, Germany, and Serbia gradually lose their momentum.

The Italian women's team celebrates winning the VNL championship - Photo: REUTERS

And most notably, the Italian team achieved the remarkable feat of winning 29 consecutive matches, thus winning the V-League championship for two years in a row.

Flexible competition system

Traditional powerhouses like the US and China are faltering in the top-tier competition. Meanwhile, European teams such as Italy, Poland, and Türkiye are making a strong breakthrough and reshaping the global landscape of women's volleyball. The VNL 2025 is not only a warm-up tournament before the World Championship but also a major test of the ambitions of the national teams in the new cycle after the 2024 Paris Olympics.

In the recently concluded tournament in Poland, the Italian women's team brilliantly won the championship after a convincing 3-1 victory over Brazil in the final. This is the third time in just four years that Italy has won the Nations League, confirming their superior strength and current form.

This achievement is even more impressive considering they have maintained an unbeaten streak of 29 matches since mid-2024. This includes convincing victories against top opponents such as Türkiye, Poland, and Japan.

The rise of the Italian women's national team owes a great deal to coach Giovanni Guidetti – the chief architect of this transformation. Having previously led Türkiye to resounding success, when he took over the Italian women's team, Coach Guidetti built a flexible playing system that did not rely on star players.

Despite the presence of the renowned hitter Paola Egonu, the current Italian team is organized around strong collective elements. Most notably, Antropova has risen strongly – the 2.02m tall player is one of the most complete hitters in the world . This is further supported by the stability provided by setter Orro, libero De Gennaro, and tall blockers like Danesi and Fahr.

In addition to its personnel, the Italian women's national team also benefits from a solid foundation from its club system. The Serie A1 national championship is considered one of the highest-quality leagues on the planet, where international stars and young domestic athletes compete on equal footing. This is fertile ground for producing future pillars of the Italian national team. Many hitters like Sylla, Lubian, or young athletes like Nervini, Consolini... have developed in that environment.

The Italian women's volleyball team at the 2025 qualifying round - Photo: REUTERS

The major powers are running out of steam.

Conversely, once dominant forces like the US and China are facing both personnel and tactical crises. The US women's team, after the 2024 Olympics, has said goodbye to almost the entire golden generation that won the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics (2021). The absence of key players like Larson and Akinradewo makes their fast-paced style of play easily predictable.

The next generation of players is not yet ready to shoulder the responsibility in major tournaments, leading to the US's early elimination in the group stage of the 2025 VNL. Meanwhile, China is still struggling with its rebuilding process, especially after changing coaches and promoting a number of young players with little international experience.

Meanwhile, Türkiye and Poland are rising strongly. Türkiye maintains stability with its core group of players such as Vargas, Gunes, and Ebrar Karakurt, along with a playing style that emphasizes power and speed. Poland, under the guidance of coach Stefano Lavarini, is showing remarkable progress thanks to its well-rounded young hitters. Magdalena Stysiak, Lukasik, and Korneluk are formidable attacking players, helping Poland win the bronze medal at the 2025 World Championships after an impressive victory against Japan.

Japan is the only Asian team that still maintains a competitive position with the top teams. Despite not having a height advantage, their flexible playing style, technical skill, and tight defense make the Japanese women's team a formidable opponent. However, limitations in attack remain a major concern if they aim for the championship.

The 2025 Women's Volleyball World Championship, to be held in Thailand at the end of August, will bring together 32 of the world's strongest teams. Given the current situation, the race for the championship promises to be extremely fierce. Italy is emerging as a leading contender.

Brazil, Poland, Türkiye, and Japan all have reason to believe in a miracle. As for teams that once dominated the league, like the USA, China, and Serbia, they will have to work much harder if they don't want to be left behind in this new race.

HUY DANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/soi-dong-bong-chuyen-nu-the-gioi-20250729101142178.htm