ITALY head coach Ferdinando De Giorgi spoke warmly about his fellow Italian and longtime friend Angiolino Frigoni, the coach of Alas Pilipinas, following Italy’s victory over Algeria in Pool F action at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
The 63-year-old De Giorgi beamed with pride as he recalled his history with Frigoni, who once served as his coach and mentor during his playing days at Montechiari.
“Angiolino was my coach when I was a player—yes, in Montechiari,” De Giorgi said. “I want to say hello to Angiolino. He is an incredibly talented coach and a great friend.”
Their shared history includes major successes, such as winning the World Championship in 1994, when De Giorgi was a player and Frigoni served as assistant coach. For De Giorgi, those memories remain unforgettable.
“In Montechiari, and especially with the national team, we spent many years together,” he said. “Those were very important years. We won the World Championship in 1994 and the European Championship—big, unforgettable moments.”
Now competing in the same tournament, albeit in different pools, De Giorgi had a simple message for his old mentor.
“Advice? No! Angiolino already has vast experience. No advice needed—only good luck,” he said.
Alas Pilipinas (0-1) will face Egypt (1-0) at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., while Italy (1-0) takes on Belgium (1-0) later that night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at 9:30 p.m.
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