In pictures: Top eight complete journey in Poland and Slovenia

France players Barthelemy Chinenyeze and Earvin Ngapeth in a pre-match ritual ahead of their team's FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship quarterfinal encounter with Italy

Italy captain Simone Giannelli celebrates Italy’s five-set win over the reigning Olympic champions in Ljubljana

Thousands of fans flock to Arena Stozice for Slovenia’s last World Championship game on home soil

Vasyl Tupchii in action as Ukraine shock the home team in the first set

A well-deserved victory selfie after Slovenia defeat Ukraine in four sets

Argentina’s Agustin Loser ready for the block after a spectacular set by Brazil’s Fernando Kreling

Can Luciano De Cecco set with his foot too?

Spread your arms and shut your eyes – one of the ways Yoandy Leal contributes 25 points towards Brazil’s 3-1 victory in Gliwice

The fantastic atmosphere in Gliwice for the start of the last quarterfinal, between Poland and USA

American captain Micah Christenson smiles as USA come back from two sets down to level the match

Polish captain Bartosz Kurek triumphs as his team win the tie-breaker

Katowice and the Spodek brace themselves for the start of the World Championship semifinals

Bruno Rezende sets for Lucas Saatkamp as Brazil push Poland to five in a rollercoaster semifinal

Bartosz Kurek in tears of joy as Poland advance to their third consecutive World Championship final

Slovenia’s Klemen Cebulj on the serve in the semifinal against Italy

Simone Giannelli sets for the winning point in Italy’s straight-set victory over Slovenia

Gregor Ropret sets as Slovenia battle with Brazil for the bronze

Thank you, Wallace! The star opposite leads Brazil to a 3-1 bronze medal victory in his last match with the national team

It’s time for the big final!

Aleksander Sliwka spikes against the Italian block as Poland win the first set of the match

A pancake save by Italian libero Fabio Balaso

The best scorer and the best blocker of the final, Daniele Lavia and Simone Anzani shout their joy after the final whistle

Moment of glory! Simone Giannelli, MVP and captain of the new world champions, lifts the trophy