Italy concluded its 2025 World University Games campaign in Berlin with a stunning bronze medal, earned thanks to a 3-1 victory over Japan in the third-place play-off.
After dominating the group stage with three wins in as many games and prevailing in the quarterfinals against the Czech Republic, the Azzurri were forced to surrender to Brazil in a tie-break in a fiercely contested semifinal. However, in the bronze medal match, they fought back with great determination, decisively defeating the Japanese team.
For Nicola Cianciotta, it was a top-level tournament: ever-present on the court in every match, he showcased his qualities as an effective attacker and reliable hitter, providing coach Vincenzo Fanizza with solid and consistent performances that earned him great confidence and personal satisfaction.
