Defending champion Italy got its payback, demolishing Belgium in straight sets, 25-13, 25-18, 25-18, to secure a spot in the semifinals of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Italians, whose lone setback in the pool stage came at the hands of the same Belgian squad in a five-set thriller (23-25, 20-25, 25-22, 25-21, 13-15), made sure there would be no repeat this time, taking control from start to finish with relentless serving and an imposing net defense.
Though Belgium held a narrow edge in attacks, 37-35, Italy dictated the tempo with a 6-1 dominance in blocks and an overwhelming 8-1 cushion from the service line, turning the match decisively in its favor.
Roberto Russo anchored Italy’s defense with four blocks, six attacks, and two aces to finish with a team-high 12 points. Alessandro Michieletto also made his mark from the service line, firing a game-best four aces to go with seven attacks for 11 points.
Captain Simone Giannelli orchestrated the offense with 30 excellent sets while also adding four points, steering the defending champions to another top-four finish in the 32-nation tournament.
“We know Belgium is a good team. We lost to them in the pool stage, but it feels good to be in the semifinals. Now we rest, and then we’ll prepare for the next match. It’s important for Italy to reach the semifinals, and we’re really happy to be here,” said Russo.
“I’m very happy because it was not an easy match today. But we fought for every point, and we made it—we’re now in the top four in the world,” added Giannelli.
Mattia Bottolo chipped in 10 points, all from attacks, along with seven excellent receptions, while Yuri Romanò and Giovannimaria Gargiulo contributed seven and five points, respectively, for Italy.
The Azzurri will now chase a second straight World Championship Final appearance when they face the winner of the Poland-Turkey quarterfinal clash on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Belgium wrapped up its campaign with a historic run, advancing to the top eight for the first time in 55 years. Their last quarterfinal finish came in 1970 in Bulgaria, where they ended in eighth place.
Ferre Reggers led Belgium with 13 points and six excellent digs, while Sam Deroo added 11 markers in what turned out to be their first—and last—defeat of the tournament.
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