Bulgaria stuns Italy in nations league thriller
Bulgaria defeated Italy 3-2 (18:25, 25:20, 25:23, 19:25, 15:9) in their opening match of the second week of the Volleyball Nations League in Ljubljana. The match was a repeat of the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship final in the Philippines, where Italy won 3-1 to claim the title. The victory was Bulgaria's first over Italy since 2015.
The Bulgarian team proved more effective in attack, scoring 52 points to Italy's 44, and also led in blocking points, 15-12. Italy recorded more aces, 12 to Bulgaria's eight, CE Report quotes BTA.
Aleksandar Nikolov was Bulgaria's top scorer with 19 points, including 17 from attacks and two blocks. Martin Atanasov added 14 points, while Asparuh Asparuhov finished with 13.
Middle blockers Ilia Petkov and Aleks Grozdanov also reached double figures with 10 points each. Setter Simeon Nikolov contributed nine points, including three aces.
Kamil Rychlicki was Italy's leading scorer with 18 points.
Bulgaria's next match in Ljubljana is against hosts Slovenia on Thursday at 9:30 pm CET.
Photo: Volleyball World
