Italy, Belgium sweep rivals to arrange quarters showdown in FIVB Worlds

September 22 ------ Defending champion Italy and Belgium swept their respective rivals to arrange a quarterfinal showdown in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The world No. 2 Italians downed Argentina, 25-23, 25-20, 25-22, to remain on track in their title-retention campaign, while the Belgians edged Finland, 25-21, 25-17, 25-21, to also boost their bid in their 10th appearance in the tournament. Opposite hitter Yuri Romano rose to the occasion late in the third set with three straight aces, bringing Italy to match point. Counterattacks from Argentina kept them afloat, but a two-handed block from Mattia Bottolo sealed the win for the reigning titlists.

Alessandro Michieletto paced Italy with 15 points built on 12 kills and three blocks, while Romano contributed 14 points on nine attacks, four aces and one block. Bottolo also stepped up with 13 points, 12 coming from attacks. Belgium, for its part, banked on Ferre Reggers and skipper Sam Deroo, who sizzled with 20 and 19 points, respectively, including combined 33 kills and six blocks.

Another win for the Belgians would eclipse their best finish of eighth place in 1970. Meanwhile, Round of 16 action resumes on Monday, Sept. 22, at the same venue with Bulgaria taking on Portugal at 3:30 p.m., and United States colliding with Slovenia at 8 p.m.

Source: mb.com.ph