Team Poland celebrate after the final match between Poland and Italy at the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Men's Final Round in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, Aug. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

World No. 1 Poland defeated Italy in straight sets to win the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Finals on Sunday, securing its second VNL trophy.

Poland gained an early four-point lead in the first set, but Italy fought back to level the score at 15-15. A successful challenge for a block touch helped the Poles regain control at 22-20. With a series of powerful spikes, Poland closed out the set 25-22.

In the following two sets, Poland again established early leads. The Italians attempted to respond, but a series of service errors and lack of coordination hindered their efforts. Poland maintained its dominance and wrapped up the match with 25-19 and 25-14.

"It means a lot," said Poland's 32-year-old star Wilfredo Leon Venero, who led all scorers with 16 points. "I know people were waiting for my comeback at a high level. So I tried to do my best. I'm really happy and proud that we did."

"We have so many stars, but we try to be together as much as possible, we understand each other, we support each other. And I think this is the point of our success," he added.

Looking ahead to the World Championship in September, Leon said, "I expect to have more games like today and another trophy."

Earlier on Sunday, Brazil claimed the bronze medal with a 3-1 comeback victory over Slovenia (23-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-19). Brazil's opposite Alan Souza led the team with 18 points, while Slovenia's Rok Mozic posted a match-high 21 points.

"I can tell you that our legs are a little bit tired, and obviously we faced a good team. Slovenia is one of the best teams in the world right now. So, it couldn't be easy," said Brazil's setter Fernando Kreling. "We had a lot of hard moments, and I think we are growing together."