Cuba Falls to Italy in Men’s Volleyball Nations League

Cuba was defeated by Italy today, ending its chances of advancing to the semifinals of the 2025 Men’s Volleyball Nations League, held in Ningbo, China.

The Cuban team dropped the first two sets (25-18, 25-19), claimed the third (25-20), but ultimately lost the fourth (25-21) to the European side, which entered the match as the favorite.

During the preliminary phase held in the first half of July, Cuba ranked among the top eight teams, recording six wins and six losses.

The island’s team sparked hope among its supporters after notable victories against Brazil and Poland, as well as pushing Olympic champions France to a fifth set.

In Ningbo, Cuba returned to title contention for the first time since the Nations League replaced the now-defunct World League in 2018. Cuba had previously won the World League once, in 1998.