Italy overpowers Poland to reach volleyball women's World Championship semis

Sarah Luisa Fahr (top) of Italy spikes the ball during the quarterfinal match between Italy and Poland at the Volleyball Women's World Championship in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Reigning Olympic champion and world No. 1 Italy beat World No. 3 Poland in straight sets here on Wednesday to reach the semifinals of the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship.

Japan secured its position in the World Championship top four for the first time in 15 years with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Netherlands.

Paola Ogechi Egonu notched a game-high 20 points as the Italian women collected the 25-17, 25-21 and 21-18 victory to extend their winning streak at international competitions to 34.

"We have an amazing season, we have confidence and we know our skills. I think what we did today in an amazing way was starting really well, pushing hard from the beginning. Our block and defense was amazing, and that normally make a big difference," said Sarah Luisa Fahr, who had eight kills and four blocks to finish with 12 points for Italy. "So I'm proud about how we played and how it went, and I'm looking forward to the semifinals."

Poland struggled with its attack, giving away 19 points through errors.

"This is the strongest team in the world, and they have been playing at this level for many years," said Martyna Lukasik, who scored eight points for Poland. "It's tough playing against them. They have no weak sides. We tried to push them, but they could always find solutions."

Japan beat the Netherlands 20-25, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22 and 15-12 in the other quarterfinal match on Wednesday.

Yukiko Wada led Japan with 27 points and Mayu Ishikawa added 25.

"The Netherlands played great volleyball, and they were 2-1 in front, so we had a lot of tactical changes and it worked. Actually, they were very risky choices, but we have to do that," said Japan's Turkish head coach Ferhat Akbas. "I'm very proud of my team because after 15 years we are at top four of the world championship. Now we will see what happens next."

The quarterfinals will continue on Thursday with Brazil to take on France and the United States facing Türkiye.