Brazil Stuns Italy in Five Sets to Reach VNL Final
Brazil outlasted defending champions Italy 3-2 in a five-set VNL semifinal thriller in Macao, reaching their fifth final in tournament history.
Brazil eliminated two-time defending champions Italy 3-2 (21-25, 25-21, 26-24, 21-25, 15-12) in a thrilling Women's Volleyball Nations League semifinal in Macao on July 25, 2026, reaching their fifth VNL final.
Italy took the first set behind middle blocker Sarah Fahr, but Brazil answered in the second, led by Rosamaria Montibeller and closed out by Ana Cristina. Brazil edged a tight third set in overtime, 26-24, before Italy's Paola Egonu forced a decider by winning the fourth set. In the fifth, Brazil pulled away late to seal a 15-12 win, with Ana Cristina scoring the match point.
Ana Cristina finished as top scorer with 23 points, while Julia Bergmann and Montibeller each added 15. Brazil also edged Italy in spike kills, 64-63.
Bergmann credited the team's collective effort after the match: "I am so happy that we beat this amazing team of Italy." Italy captain Anna Danesi said her side never gave up despite trailing, but acknowledged Brazil's superior blocking and defense cost them the match.
Brazil will face the winner of Türkiye vs. China in Sunday's final, while Italy will play for bronze for the first time in four VNL semifinal appearances.
