Pasay city: Defending champion Italy stunned world No. 1 Poland, 25-21, 25-22, 25-23, to set up a title showdown with Bulgaria in the FIVB Men's World Championship.

According to Philippines News Agency, Bulgaria defeated Czechia with scores of 25-20, 23-25, 25-21, 25-22, in the other semifinal match at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Opposite Yuri Romano led the Italian team with 15 points, which included 12 attacks, two blocks, and one ace. Italy, ranked second in the world, is aiming for its fifth championship title, having previously won in 1990, 1994, and 1998.

Italy coach Ferdinando De Giorgi expressed pride in his team's performance, stating, "I am proud of my team, not because it's unbelievable, but because they played very, very good." Outside hitter Alessandro Michieletto and middle blocker Roberto Russo added 12 and six points, respectively, to secure the victory over Poland.

Poland's Wilfredo Leon Venero, who had been absent from the last edition due to a knee injury, topped the scoring for his team with 14 points. Kewin Sasak and Kamil Semeniuk contributed nine and seven points respectively, while Jakub Kochanowski and Norbert Huber both scored six points each.

Reflecting on the loss, Semeniuk acknowledged the difficulty of the situation but emphasized the importance of competing for a medal. "A medal is a medal and it's always nice to win something," he said, while congratulating Italy on their performance.

The final match between Italy and Bulgaria is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, with the bronze medal match between Czechia and Poland set for 2:30 p.m.