Italy won 25-21, 25-22, 25-23. Poland’s Wilfredo Leon led his team with 14 points, but the Poles struggled after captain and opposite Bartosz Kurek was sidelined with an abdominal injury. Debutant Kewin Sasak stepped in but was unable to turn the match.
Poland, ranked world No. 1 and winners of this year’s Nations League, were seeking to reclaim the title they lost to Italy three years ago in Katowice. They previously won the championship in 1974, 2014 and 2018.
The Poles will face the Czechs on Sunday at 8:30 a.m. local time for their first chance at a world championship bronze. Italy will meet Bulgaria in the final at 12:30 p.m.