Italy captain Simone Giannelli. Volleyball World
MANILA — After losing to them in the pool phase, Simone Giannelli and Team Italy answered back with a dominant 25-13, 25-18, 25-18 sweep of Belgium in the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship, Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Giannelli, the 29-year-old star setter of the Gli Azzurri, said they "studied the Belgians well" heading into this match, particularly Ferre Reggers and Sam Deroo.
The Italians managed to avenge their five-set loss to Belgium in Pool F, 25-23, 25-20, 22-25, 21-25, 15-13.
"I think that we studied a lot that match, in the first round. In that match, we played not so good, but they were on fire. Most of all, Reggers and Deroo. But yes, we studied a lot," said Giannelli.
READ: FIVB Worlds: Italy ousts error-prone Belgium, advances to semis
Giannelli, although they were expected to barge into the Final Four, said he was happy to be at this moment.
"And I'm very happy because it was not an easy match today. But we really played hard at every point. And we made it, we are now in the first four in the world," he said.
Whoever they play in the semis, the Umbria Volley Perugia standout vowed that the defending champs will give their all.
For a chance to retain their world championship title, they need to go past the winner of the Poland-Turkiye matchup in the next round.
"Now I think that the level goes up. For us, it will be difficult because both teams are amazing," he said. "So it will be hard for us, but we will try to do our best."
Giannelli and company will take the stage again on Saturday, September 27. They will pounce on this opportunity to recover, said Robert Russo.
"Now we rest, and then we’ll think about the next match."