Overview

• Italy overcame a 2-1 set deficit to defeat previously unbeaten Japan 3-2 (25-22, 22-25, 15-25, 25-19, 15-11) in the final
• Opposite Merit Adigwe led all scorers with 34 points, the highest individual tally in the championship match
• Captain Linda Manfredini chipped in 15 points and landed the decisive first-tempo kill at 15-11 in the tie-break
• This gold medal marks Italy’s first world title in the U21 era following a silver in 2023 and U20 golds in 2011 and 2021
• The victory brings the Italian Volleyball Federation’s summer podium count to five across youth women’s and men’s national teams