Italy relished a triumphant title defense before 16,429 fans, capping the Philippines’ successful hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship on Sunday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
From the stands, Alas Pilipinas’ Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni symbolically presented the World Championship trophy to his 16 players—who made their debut and impressed in the 32-nation tournament—as a gesture of gratitude from the Philippines to the global volleyball community. Captain Bryan Bagunas then passed the trophy to two-time Best Setter Simone Giannelli, marking the Italians’ celebration of their second straight crown.
Yuri Romano powered Italy in the final with 22 points to outlast Bulgaria, 25-21, 25-17, 17-25, 25-10. He admitted the Italians had never experienced an awarding ceremony as dramatic and colorful as the Philippines’ solo hosting.
“It’s very beautiful, big entertainment, we enjoyed it,” said Romano, who also bagged the Best Opposite Spiker award.
The victory—and the atmosphere that came with it—made Italy’s second consecutive World Championship even sweeter.
“The fans are crazy, we feel all their love and we feel they cheer for us. It’s very fun to be here,” Romano added.
While defending the title was a tougher challenge, Italy credited the Filipino fans and the hospitality of the Local Organizing Committee for lightening the burden of the grueling three-week tournament.
“Being far away from home for three weeks, just training and hotel, was really tough for us. This is the World Championship, and if you want to play that, you have to live this toughness. The Philippines has helped us a lot because your people are incredible,” said Mattia Bottolo, who hammered seven aces to finish with 19 points. “They treated us very well every day, so I have to say thank you very much.”
Newly crowned MVP and Best Outside Spiker Alessandro Michieletto said he hopes to return to Manila after what he described as a memorable experience in the World Championship.
“For Filipino fans, I’m so grateful because playing here is incredible. They love volleyball, they are very kind. So I hope that I will come back here to play. Thank you very much. And to Italian fans, I can’t wait to come back to Italy for the trophy,” Michieletto said.
For now, the Italians will celebrate their fifth overall World title back home, with the memory of Manila etched in their journey to glory.
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