The defending champions, Italy, have once again showcased their formidable prowess on the international stage, securing the first semifinal berth at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in the Philippines. In a quarterfinal match that was less a contest and more a tactical demonstration, Italy dismantled Belgium in straight sets, a clear statement of intent in their campaign to retain the world title.
A Calculated Revenge in Pasay City
The atmosphere in Pasay City was thick with anticipation. Not only was a semifinal spot on the line, but this match carried the subtle undertone of a grudge game. Belgium had previously dealt Italy a surprising defeat during the pool stage, a minor blemish on the defending champions` record. This quarterfinal, however, saw a different Italian side—one seemingly fueled by a desire for swift, undeniable vindication.
From the first serve, Italy was, as one might say, “in destruction mode.” Their approach was clinical, almost surgical. The opening set unfolded with an almost alarming ease for the Azzurri, culminating in a dominant 25-13 victory, punctuated by a powerful kill block from the indefatigable middle blocker, Roberto Russo. One might have expected a Belgian resurgence, a glimmer of the form that had vexed Italy earlier in the tournament. Yet, while the subsequent sets (25-18, 25-18) showed a marginal improvement from the Western European squad, Italy remained firmly in control, never truly allowing their opponents a foothold.
The Architects of Dominance: Russo Leads the Charge
Italy`s victory was not merely a result of individual brilliance but a collective execution of strategic superiority. Their advantage in aces (8-1) and blocks (6-1) painted a clear picture of their tactical dominance, shutting down Belgian attacks and creating serving pressure. Perhaps the most telling statistic was Belgium`s 26 unforced errors compared to Italy`s mere 10, highlighting a stark difference in discipline and composure under pressure.
At the heart of Italy`s commanding performance was Roberto Russo. With four kill blocks, two aces, and an impressive 75% success rate in attack, Russo delivered a masterclass in middle blocking, earning him a team-high 12 points. His contributions were not just statistical; he delivered crucial set-winning points with both blocks and a blistering ace, effectively sealing Belgium`s fate. He was the Italian Maestro orchestrating their defensive symphony.
He wasn`t alone in his offensive output. Outside hitter Alessandro Michieletto contributed 11 points, including a notable four aces, demonstrating Italy`s varied attacking options. Mattia Bottolo added another 10 points through powerful swings.
“I am really happy, because the tournament is very difficult and we won over Belgium, a great and powerful team to whom we lost in the pool. But today was another match and I am really happy for this win,” Russo commented after the match, a subtle nod to the settled score. “Our ambitions are to go far in this tournament and I hope that we will play against Poland or Turkiye in the semifinal like we did today.”
Belgium`s Valiant Effort and Future Prospects
Despite the straight-sets loss, Belgium did show flashes of offensive capability, outscoring Italy in spike kills 37-35. Their 22-year-old opposite, Ferre Reggers, was the match`s top scorer with 13 points, all from offense. Captain Sam Deroo added 11 points, including an ace. However, their efforts were ultimately insufficient against Italy`s relentless pressure.
Captain Deroo offered a candid assessment of his team`s performance:
“It’s sad to say, but we didn’t get off to our best start and if you let a team like Italy play freely, it’s almost impossible… Our level was far from sufficient to put them in difficulty today. We had a good run. It’s sad to finish it like this, of course. We wanted to bring more of a battle, so it leaves a sour feeling in our mouths to leave the World Championship like this, but in a couple of weeks, we’ll be pretty proud of the run we had. That’s definitely oxygen for the future.”
Deroo`s words resonate with the truth of high-stakes sports: sometimes, even a good team simply encounters a better one on their day. For Belgium, this tournament run, despite its bitter end, provides valuable experience and a foundation for future aspirations.
Onward to the Semifinals
With this emphatic victory, Italy now looks ahead to the semifinals, where they will face the winner of the hotly anticipated quarterfinal clash between Poland and Turkiye. The path to defending their World Championship title continues, and if their performance against Belgium is any indication, Italy is not just playing for a win, but for absolute, unquestionable supremacy.
