Overview

• Italy prevailed 3-1 in the final with set scores of 25-21, 25-17, 17-25, 25-10 at Manila’s Mall of Asia Arena.
• The triumph is Italy’s fifth men’s world crown and second in a row, leaving the team one behind the USSR’s record of six.
• Alessandro Michieletto was named tournament MVP, while Yuri Romanò’s run of five consecutive aces broke open the second set.
• Coach Ferdinando De Giorgi reached 100 wins in charge and added to a legacy that includes world titles as both player and coach.
• Bulgaria made its first final in 55 years under Italian coach Gianlorenzo Blengini, with Aleksandar Nikolov leading a youthful squad; the Italian champions are due home for official celebrations including presidential honors.