As his former coach Angiolino Frigoni now leads Alas Pilipinas in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, Italy head coach Ferdinando de Giorgi said the veteran mentor needs no advice — only good luck.
The 71-year-old Frigoni, who once guided de Giorgi during his playing career, now takes charge of the Philippines in its World Championship debut.
His task is daunting: to steer the squad back on track against Egypt and Iran after suffering an opening-match loss to Tunisia in Pool A.
“Advice? No! Angiolino has big experience. No need for advice — only good luck,” de Giorgi said after Italy’s straight-set win over Algeria in Pool F last Sunday.
De Giorgi and Frigoni share a long history. The Italian coach once played under Frigoni at Acqua Paradiso Gabeca Montichiari in the Italian Volleyball League.
Frigoni was also part of the national team’s coaching staff when de Giorgi, then the starting setter, helped Italy capture the gold medal at the 1994 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
“Angiolino was my coach when I was a player — yes, in Montichiari. I say hello to Angiolino. He’s a very, very good coach, and also a friend,” said de Giorgi, who is tied for the most gold medals in World Championship history.
“In Montichiari, it was in the Superliga, and also in the national team. We spent many, many years together — very important years. We won the World Championship in 1994 and the European Championship as well. Big memories, good memories,” he added.
For Alas Pilipinas, the road ahead is steep. The Philippines must sweep its last two Pool A matches to secure a spot in the Round of 16.
Still, de Giorgi believes that if anyone can guide the Philippines through such a challenge, it is Frigoni — whose vast experience coaching across the globe makes him the right man for the job.
#WATCH: Italy coach Ferdinando De Giorgi, once mentor to Angiolino Frigoni, wishes him and Alas Pilipinas the best in their #MWCH2025 campaign! 🇮🇹🏐
📹 @ErnestTuazon /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/VHljrtFFBv
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) September 14, 2025
