The Ukrainian men's national volleyball team continues to impress the world during the 2025 Volleyball Nations League. Immediately following their triumph over Brazil, the "blue-and-yellows" faced another giant of world sport — the reigning world champions, the Italian national team. This match was not just another stage of the tournament, but a historic event for Ukrainian volleyball.
The end of an era of failures: how Ukraine shattered the myth of Italy's invincibility
Before the start of 2025, the confrontation with the Italians was a true test for the Ukrainians. In official matches, the "blue-and-yellows" could not win a single set against the opponent. However, the experience of the previous year, when the teams played two tense matches, finally convinced the coaching staff and players: the Ukrainian national team has outgrown the status of an underdog.
The return of the team leader, Oleksandr Plotnytskyi, to the main lineup added confidence before this encounter. It was his presence in the attack that became the key factor, allowing the Ukrainians to dominate throughout the entire match.
Match progression: three sets with no chances for the world champions
The game was dictated by the Ukrainian team from the very beginning. In the first set, the "blue-and-yellows" took a three-point lead and, despite the Italians' attempts to even the score, confidently closed out the opponent in the final moments with a score of 25:23.
The second set became a true showcase for Raul Losano's charges. From the start of the set, the Ukrainians secured a comfortable five-point lead (8:3), which grew to seven points by the final whistle. The convincing 25:19 on the scoreboard testified to the unquestionable superiority of the Ukrainian team.
In the third set, the Italians tried to turn the tide, but after a brief exchange of points, Ukraine unleashed a real storm again. A series of successful plays allowed the Ukrainians to pull ahead by seven points by the middle of the set (17:10). Leaving the world champions with no chances, the "blue-and-yellows" confidently finished the set with a score of 25:16.
Match hero and tournament prospects
The most productive player of the match was the star Ukrainian outside hitter, Oleksandr Plotnytskyi. He scored 15 points, including 12 from attacks and 3 aces, which proved crucial in the most important moments of the match.
For Ukraine, this is already the second consecutive victory over a top-tier opponent — earlier, the "blue-and-yellows" managed to defeat the Brazilian national team. Moreover, this success was historic, as our team defeated Italy for the first time in the history of official confrontations.
This result significantly improved the tournament standing of Raul Losano's charges: with four wins and 13 points to their credit, they have risen to the interim second place in the Volleyball Nations League standings.
The next match for Ukraine will take place tomorrow, on Friday, June 26. The opponents for the Ukrainians will be the Canadian national team; the match starts at 17:30.