Article in collaboration Ivan and Danijel, both from Pasay City ©️Volleytimes.com
After the successes of Türkiye and Poland in first two games of 2025 FIVB Volleyball World Championship, Italy sweep an unrecognizable Argentina in just three sets to secure their Quarterfinal spot, 0-3 (23:25, 20:25, 22:25).
In a dominant performance from the winners, Argentina started strong in the opening set, with Luciano Vicentin leading the charge. However, Italy’s blocking and the precise play of setter Simone Giannelli proved too much, as the defending champions edged the set with the minimum gap, 25-23.
And then they kept their momentum also in the second set, with an almost unstoppable Alessandro Michieletto, top scorer of the match with 15 points, well supported by Mattia Bottolo (13 points at the end of the game) and Yuri Romanò, who added firepower to extend the lead. Giannelli sealed the set with the attack of 25-20.
The third set was Argentina’s last stand, with both sides battling point for point until 20:20. Then Romanò, who left the court with 14 points, delivered two aces that shifted the momentum. and Italy closed out the match 25:22 to keep their title defense alive.
Luciano Vicentin was the only player in double digit for Argentina scoring 15 points too.
“It was a really tough match. We knew they would push hard on serve, and after a complicated start, we reacted, stayed united, and imposed our rhythm. When the team works well, everything becomes easier. This was a team victory,” said libero Fabio Balaso at the end of the game, while middle blocker Giovanni Gargiulo emphasized Italy’s patience and determination: “They are a high-level team and gave us nothing easily. The key was patience—we never fell apart, we kept believing, and we fought for every point. This win proves we can compete with anyone, but we must stay humble,” he added.
Meanwhile, head coach Ferdinando De Giorgi praised his players’ focus:
“Argentina is always difficult to face. After early mistakes, the team found rhythm and confidence. Serving and blocking improved, and that turned the match. It’s an important step, but we can still grow.”
And now Italy will face Belgium, who easily marched into the quarterfinals with a clean 3-0 (25:21, 25:17, 25:21) win over Finland.
Ferre Reggers led all scorers with 20 points, well supported by captain Sam Deroo, who added 19.
Finland’s Joonas Mikael Jokela tallied 14 points.
Quarterfinal game between these two is scheduled on Wednesday.
Tomorrow, also in Pasay City, Pool D leaders Bulgaria will face Pool E runners-up Portugal while, in the Philippines’ evening, Pool E USA will face Pool D’s second-place Slovenia.
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🌏| 2025 FIVB World Championship | Round of 16
Saturday September 20, 2025 📍 Pasay City
• 15.30 (Local Time) | Türkiye (B1) – Netherlands (G2) 3-1 (27:29, 25:23, 25:16, 25:19)
• 20.00 (Local Time) | Poland (G1) – Canada (B2) 3-1 (25:18, 23:25, 25:20, 25:14)
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👉🏼Sunday September 21, 2025 📍 Pasay City
• 15.30 (Local Time) | Argentina (C1) – Italy (F2) 0-3 (23:25, 20:25, 22:25)
• 20.00 (Local Time) | Belgium (F1) – Finland (C2) 3-0 (25:21, 25:17, 25:21)
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Monday September 22, 2025 📍 Pasay City
• 15.30 (Local Time) | Bulgaria (D1) – Portugal (E2) 3-0 (25:19, 25:23, 25:13)
• 20.00 (Local Time) | USA (E1) – Slovenia (D2) 3-1 (19:25, 25:22, 25:17, 25:20)
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Thursday September 23, 2025 📍 Pasay City
• 15.30 (Local Time) | Tunisia (A1) – Czech Republic (H2) 0-3 (19:25, 18:25, 23:25)
• 20.00 (Local Time) | Serbia (H1) – Iran (A2) 2-3 (25:23, 19:25, 26:24, 22:25, 9:15)
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