Defending champion Italy relied on the trio of Alessandro Michieletto, Yuri Romano, and Mattia Bottolo to oust Argentina in a tight straight-set victory, 25-23, 25-20, 25-22, securing a spot in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship quarterfinals on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Michieletto led the charge with 15 points, coming from 12 kills and three blocks. Romano contributed 14 points, including nine spikes, a block, and four aces, while Bottolo added 13 points to the effort.
Romano delivered three consecutive aces to put Italy at match point, 24-20. Argentina’s Luciano Vicentin and Joaquin Gallego saved two points, but Bottolo sealed the win with a decisive kill.
“It was a really tough game. Argentina never gave up and played very well throughout. I think we performed consistently from start to finish with the right mentality, so I'm very happy,” Romano said.
Italy will face the winner of the Belgium-Finland Round of 16 match in their next quarterfinal on September 24.
Reigning MVP and Best Setter Simone Giannelli orchestrated the Italian offense with 34 excellent sets. He also contributed three points, including the set-clinching attacks in the first two frames.
“We are very happy with this result. We played a solid match, serving well and capitalizing on opportunities at the block. It was a strong game — both teams played well. Even though it’s 3-0, Argentina performed really well,” said Italy coach Ferdinando De Giorgi.
Argentina, despite sweeping Pool C and eliminating Olympic champion France, exited the tournament.
Vicentin led the squad with 15 points, Gallego added nine, and Luciano Palonsky and Agustin Loser contributed eight points each.
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