Poland became the newly crowned European volleyball champions on September 13 2009, after a long 26-year interval following their previous big achievement, that silver medal won in East Germany. Poland won the gold medal with a class performance at the 2009 CEV Men’s European Championships in Izmir, Turkey, with a coherent and powerful display that saw France bow out with 3:1 sets (29-27, 25-21, 16-25, 26-24).

The French started the match in a lively fashion, but  Poland eventually got into a lethal rhythm that proved simply too much for their opponents.

Earlier on September 13, Bulgaria who started the tournament superbly but then suffered a defeat to Russia, won the bronze medal and extracted some revenge after beating the 2005 and 2007 runner-up Russia in straight sets (25-18, 26-24, 25-21).

Bulgaria played in efficient and commanding style, with Matei Kaziiski being the team's most dominant player in front of the net, and setter Andrey Zhekov distributing the balls fast and precisely. Russian head coach Daniele Bagnoli, in an attempt to turn the fortunes around for his side, called timeout at 9-13, but Russia was still trailing four points at the second technical timeout.

Meanwhile, as the Russians were struggling to get to terms with the tempo and style set by the Bulgarians,  Silvano Prandi's men  were determined to win their bronze medal in history (following their medals in 1955, 1981 as well as 1983).

Bulgaria proved too hard a match for the Russians in the second set as well, as Vladimir Nikolov blocked for a 16-10 Bulgarian lead at the second technical timeout. With the second set finishing at 26-24, the Bulgarians then went on to win the third and final set by a four point margin and secure bronze medal in a deserved performance.

"This moment will stay forever in Bulgarian memories", said head coach Silvano Prandi, quoted by the cev.lu.

 "I thank the Bulgarian federation, but especially the players who did a great job during the last month. They improved a lot in blocking and attacking, I’m very proud."

"It’s the first medal for Bulgaria in such a big competition," added Bulgarian captain Vladimir Nikolov. "We are so happy about that. Our coach did a lot of work, thank you very much."