The Brazilian women’s volleyball team faces Italy in the semifinal of the 2025 World Championship on Saturday, September 6, at 9:30 AM (Brasília time) in Bangkok, Thailand, vying for a spot in the final and the dream of their first world title. The Brazilians, current runners-up, defeated France 3-0 in the quarterfinals, while the Italians, favorites and unbeaten in 34 matches, eliminated Poland by the same score. The match revisits the 2022 semifinal, won by Brazil, and promises to be one of the tournament’s most intense battles. It will be broadcast on SporTV 2 and streamed on Volleyball World (VBTV). Brazil relies on an unbeaten record against Italy in World Championships, but faces the challenge of overcoming the team dominating the international scene, with Olympic and Nations League titles. The absence of Ana Cristina and the strength of players like Paola Egonu make Brazil’s task even tougher.
Brazil’s journey to the semifinal featured solid performances, defeating Greece, France, and Puerto Rico in the group stage, plus the Dominican Republic and France again in the knockout rounds. Italy, meanwhile, lost just one set in the entire tournament, showcasing consistency and offensive power. Despite Italy’s favoritism, Brazil holds hope of repeating their 2024 feat, when they broke Italy’s unbeaten streak in the Nations League.
Brazilian highlights: Gabi and Júlia Bergmann lead the attack, with Rosamaria as a key player at the net.
Italian strength: Egonu and Antropova form a near-unstoppable offensive duo, backed by centrals Fahr and Danesi.
History: Brazil has won all five World Championship matches against Italy, including the 2022 semifinal.
Journey to the semifinal
Brazil reached the semifinal undefeated but faced challenges. In the group stage, they handled easier opponents like Greece and Puerto Rico but had to overcome France twice, including a hard-fought quarterfinal with sets of 27/25, 33/31, and 25/19. Ponteira Júlia Bergmann stood out, leading in points and showing consistency in clutch moments. Italy dominated their matches, defeating Slovakia, Cuba, Belgium, Germany, and Poland with authority, losing just one set. Their 34-match unbeaten streak, which began after a loss to Brazil in the 2024 Nations League, reinforces their favorite status. Coach José Roberto Guimarães stressed the need for an aggressive, low-error game to beat the European side.
In recent head-to-heads, the teams have been balanced. Since 2019, Brazil has won six of the last ten matches, but Italy took the last two in the 2025 Nations League. The experience of players like Gabi, who seeks greater consistency, and Rosamaria’s versatility will be crucial for Brazil.
Semifinal! 💪🇧🇷A seleção feminina entra em quadra em busca da vaga na grande final do Campeonato Mundial!Neste sábado, às 9h30 (horário de Brasília), um clássico do voleibol: Brasil e Itália. A transmissão é no Sportv 2!Vamos com tudo! 💚💛 pic.twitter.com/YzbX8DDanV— Vôlei Brasil (@volei) September 5, 2025
Strengths and weaknesses on the court
Italy enters with a well-rounded roster and few weaknesses. Paola Egonu, the tournament’s top scorer, boasts over 60% attack efficiency, an impressive figure. Her backup, Ekaterina Antropova, maintains the high level, ensuring offensive consistency. Centrals Anna Danesi and Marina Fahr form a solid blocking duo, while Myriam Sylla and Alessia Nervini contribute efficiency in passing and defense. Italy’s defensive system, which facilitates counterattacks, is a key strength.
Italy’s strengths: Egonu-led attack, effective blocking, and solid defense.
Brazil’s challenges: Reducing passing errors and improving Gabi’s consistency in decisive moments.
Game changer: Brazil’s serve must disrupt Italy’s passing to limit Egonu’s attacks.
Brazil relies on a cohesive team game. Their serve shone in the campaign’s best moments, but passing faltered against stronger opponents. Without Ana Cristina, sidelined by injury, players like Júlia Bergmann face added pressure but have delivered. Rosamaria, playing as an opposite, has performed well but isn’t as aggressive a scorer as Egonu. Coach Zé Roberto is expected to use tactical variations to exploit potential gaps in Italy’s system.
Historical record
Brazil’s World Championship record against Italy is a trump card. In five matches, all won by Brazil, the 2022 semifinal stands out, with a 3-1 victory propelling them to the final. Other wins came in 1990 (round of 16), 2010 (first phase), 2014 (bronze medal match), and 2022 (second phase). This history boosts confidence, but Italy’s current form, with a more mature and cohesive team, demands caution.
1990: Brazil 3-0 Italy (round of 16).
2010: Brazil 3-0 Italy (first phase).
2014: Brazil 3-2 Italy (bronze medal match).
2022: Brazil 3-2 Italy (second phase).
2022: Brazil 3-1 Italy (semifinal).
Despite the historical edge, Brazil faces an evolved Italian team since their last loss. Zé Roberto’s experience, as a three-time Olympic champion coach, will be vital in adjusting strategy and motivating the squad.
Match expectations
The semifinal promises a high-level technical and emotional clash. Italy, with their unbeaten run and star-studded roster, is the favorite, but Brazil has proven capable of upsets. Gabi, a team leader, emphasized the importance of believing in victory and maintaining aggression. Italian coach Julio Velasco acknowledged Brazil as a dangerous opponent, especially given their World Championship history.
The match will hinge on details. Brazil needs a sharp serve to disrupt Italy’s passing and limit Egonu’s attack options. Their defense must be flawless to counter Italy’s fast breaks. Fans hope players like Thaísa, with her experience, and Julia Kudiess, a blocking standout, can make a difference.
The other semifinal
On the other side, Japan and Turkey vie for the second final spot at 5:30 AM (Brasília time). Japan defeated the Netherlands in a thrilling tiebreak, while Turkey overcame the United States 3-1, led by Melissa Vargas. The winner will face Brazil or Italy in the final on Sunday, September 7, at 9:30 AM. The bronze medal match is set for the same day at 5:30 AM.
Japan: Back in the semifinals after 15 years, with a fast and technical game.
Turkey: First-ever semifinal, powered by opposite Vargas.
Impact: The winner may influence the final’s strategy.
Tactical and mental preparation
Brazil’s preparation involves tactical tweaks and mental focus. Zé Roberto stressed an aggressive start, especially in serving and attacking. The team trained variations to neutralize Egonu, who is often the primary target of opposing defenses. Italy relies on their defensive consistency and player versatility to maintain momentum.
The mental aspect will be decisive. Facing an unbeaten team is daunting, but Brazil’s experience in high-stakes matches and distant fan support provide a boost. Confidence from the 2022 semifinal win over Italy is a key motivator.
Match significance
The semifinal is not just a chance to reach the final but also an opportunity for Brazil to solidify its status as a volleyball powerhouse. A first-ever world title would be historic for a team with four runner-up finishes (1994, 2006, 2010, 2022) and a bronze (2014). For Italy, a win would cement their dominance, with a shot at their second world title after 2002.
The clash carries emotional weight, as the teams met in the 2025 Nations League final, won by Italy. Brazil aims to reverse that result and prove they can compete with the world’s most dominant team.
