Giants Awaken: Day 3 Kicks Off with Italy, France, and Brazil in the Volleyball World Championship

Setter Simone Giannelli, leading Italy`s charge to defend their World Championship title.

The 2025 FIVB Men`s Volleyball World Championship in the Philippines has steadily built momentum, but Day 3 marks a distinct shift in the tournament`s narrative. After a series of opening skirmishes, the proverbial giants of international volleyball are finally stepping onto the court. This Sunday, the stage is set for the eagerly anticipated debuts of no fewer than 14 national teams, headlined by the reigning champions Italy, the formidable back-to-back Olympic gold medalists France, and the historically dominant three-time world champions Brazil. The air in Pasay City and Quezon City is thick with anticipation, as the championship truly begins to unfurl its full grandeur.

Italy: The Burden of the Crown

For Italy, defending their title is less a goal and more a solemn duty. Three years after their glorious triumph, the Azzurri arrive with largely the same core that clinched gold, led by their masterful setter, Simone Giannelli. However, their campaign faces an immediate challenge: the significant absence of outside hitter Daniele Lavia, sidelined with a hand injury sustained during preparations. Head coach Ferdinando De Giorgi acknowledges the void but emphasizes the team`s resilience.

“The guys were very good at responding to what happened,” De Giorgi noted, highlighting the squad`s unique ability to adapt. “We handled it in the best way we could, which was difficult because Daniele is very important to us in many different ways. We immediately started to look for the best solutions and to figure out how the team would work without him.” Their opening match against Algeria in Pool F will serve as the first real test of their adjusted strategy and collective resolve.

France: Chasing the Elusive World Title

Few teams have dominated the international stage quite like France in recent years. With two consecutive Olympic gold medals adorning their trophy cabinet, the French contingent arrives in the Philippines with one clear, overarching objective: to finally claim the World Championship title, the only major international gold that has eluded them in their current golden era. Bolstered by the return of star outside hitter Earvin Ngapeth, now fully recovered from injury, France is at full strength and brimming with confidence.

Ngapeth`s words perfectly encapsulate the team`s relentless drive: “We could easily have stopped after taking gold in Paris last year, but we all want to keep going and that’s part of our identity as a team. Winning the World Championship is a big goal for all of us. It’s the only gold medal missing, and we’re very motivated to go get it.” Their journey begins in Pool C against Korea, a match where anything less than a dominant performance would be considered a minor seismic event.

Brazil: Rebuilding a Legacy

No discussion of men`s volleyball can be complete without mentioning Brazil. Three-time world champions, their legacy is etched deep into the sport`s history. While currently undergoing a period of rebuilding, their recent bronze medal at the Volleyball Nations League signals a team finding its rhythm and reasserting its formidable presence. They will open their campaign in Pool H against Asian giants China, who themselves face a significant hurdle with the absence of star outside hitter Jingyin Zhang.

Brazil`s blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent will be keen to make a strong statement on Day 3, demonstrating that their rebuild is not merely a transition but a clear path back to the summit of global volleyball.

The Supporting Cast: More Than Just Opening Acts

Beyond the headline acts, Day 3 offers a tapestry of intriguing matchups, each with its own narrative:

• Pool A: Iran vs. Egypt – An “Asian vs. African” clash where Iran, despite missing injured star opposite Amin Esmaeilnezhad, will seek to leverage their regional powerhouse status against an Egyptian squad fortified by Olympic experience.
• Pool C: Argentina vs. Finland – This match will feature the remarkable 37-year-old Argentine setter Luciano De Cecco, making his impressive sixth World Championship appearance. A true testament to enduring excellence and leadership.
• Pool F: Ukraine vs. Belgium – Ukraine, riding the momentum of their seventh-place finish in 2022, will aim to build on that success, while Belgium makes a welcome return to the championship after missing the last edition, eager to prove their mettle.
• Pool H: Serbia vs. Czechia – An all-European duel where both teams will be striving for a crucial early victory to set the tone for their tournament aspirations.

The Philippine Stage: A Welcoming Roar

The Philippines, a nation with a deep love for volleyball, provides a vibrant and enthusiastic backdrop for this global spectacle. The energy within the SM Mall of Asia Arena and the Smart Araneta Coliseum is palpable, ready to erupt as these titans of the sport clash. For the host nation, it`s not just about witnessing top-tier volleyball; it`s about being at the heart of the sport`s most prestigious event, creating memories that will resonate for years to come.

A Day of Definitive Beginnings

Day 3 of the 2025 FIVB Men`s Volleyball World Championship is not just another day of matches; it`s the day the tournament truly finds its competitive rhythm. With defending champions, Olympic gold medalists, and historical powerhouses all making their grand entrance, the path to the world title officially begins. Expect high-stakes, thrilling rallies, and the kind of intense competition that only a World Championship can deliver. The quest for global volleyball supremacy has never been more captivating.