The world's number one volleyball team demonstrates their class, winning 33 consecutive matches

The reigning Olympic and VNL champions, the Italian women's volleyball team, secured their quarterfinal spot by defeating Germany 3-0, with set scores of 25-22, 25-18, and 25-11. Italy extended their winning streak to 33 matches.

The undefeated streak of the Italian women's volleyball team (world number one) continued at the 2025 World Championship in Thailand. The Azzurri ladies, after winning three group stage matches in Phuket, defeated Germany 3-0 (25-22, 25-18, 25-11) in the round of 16 held today (August 30).

Captain Danesi and her teammates overcame the German team led by Italian coach Giulio Bregoli, showing steadiness and determination, especially in the first two sets when the opponents fought fiercely.

Julio Velasco's players continued to display impressive performance, earning a spot in the quarterfinals, where they will face Poland or Belgium (who play immediately after Italy). The quarterfinal match will take place on Wednesday, September 3.

Before facing Germany, coach Julio Velasco kept the familiar starting lineup for the tournament: Orro and Egonu (setters), Sylla and Nervini (outside hitters), Danesi and Fahr (middle blockers), De Gennaro (libero). Germany started with Straube (setter), Weske (opposite), Alsmeier and Orthman (outside hitters), Weitzel and Cekualev (middle blockers), Pogany (libero).

The first set was balanced as expected. Danesi opened the scoring with a net touch, Sylla scored but also made mistakes, then scored again to put Italy ahead 2-1. Germany, with Orthman and Alsmeier, played aggressively, while Orro distributed the ball evenly. Some strong serves helped Germany take a 10-8 lead, but Nervini shone to bring Italy back to lead 12-10. Despite Bregoli calling a timeout, Italy with Sylla, Fahr, Egonu, and double substitutions (Antropova-Cambi) controlled the match, winning the first set 25-22.

In the second set, Germany started with points from Alsmeier, but Nervini and Orro helped Italy regain a 6-5 lead. The match turned into a battle between Alsmeier and Egonu. Germany led 13-11 at times, forcing Velasco to replace Nervini with Giovannini. Thanks to Egonu and a solid defense, Italy took a 16-14 lead. After a timeout, Germany capitalized on Italy’s mistakes to lead 17-16. In a tough moment, Egonu and Fahr shone, helping Italy win 25-18, with Sylla scoring the decisive point.

The third set witnessed an explosion from Italy: Egonu and Danesi quickly pushed the team to a 5-1 lead. Although coach Bregoli brought Stigrot on, Italy’s attackers – Egonu, Fahr, Sylla, Nervini, and Danesi – dominated, extending the gap to 12-4. This was the turning point that decided the match. Velasco’s team marched straight to a 25-11 victory, ending the match in just three sets.