After dispatching former Pool A leader Tunisia in four sets, 23-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-16, on Tuesday afternoon, Iran quickly shifted its focus to the next challenge.
And it won’t be any easier — the host nation Alas Pilipinas awaits. For the perennial Asian powerhouse, it’s a must-win match to keep their streak of reaching at least the second round alive for a fourth straight World Championship.
Head coach Roberto Piazza, in his debut season with Iran, hopes his squad maintains the same businesslike approach they displayed against the African champions.
“I would like to say sorry because I would rather face any other team, not the Philippines, because they are the host of the Championships. This is my fourth straight season here — the first three with the VNL and now with the World Championship — and it has always been amazing,” said Piazza, who previously handled the Netherlands men’s team.
“But I need to think about my team. That’s why I want to put the focus on us,” he added.
Piazza, who also calls the shots for Allianz Milano in Italy’s Serie A, emphasized the importance of staying in the moment and controlling what they can. Despite being the highest-ranked Asian team in the tournament, he insists that Iran must not let pressure creep in.
“I’m not really thinking about that situation. I’m just thinking about how we can possibly improve every day. In the end, we can talk about world ranking,” he explained.
“But now, during the tournament, we need to show everyone that we are a normal team,” he stressed, keeping his side grounded and focused.
On Thursday, however, Iran’s task will be to prove that they are more than “just a normal team” — that they are contenders with the pedigree and poise to march into the next round once again.
#WATCH: Iran head coach Roberto Piazza urges his team to step up as they face Alas Pilipinas after a 1-1 start in #MWCH2025! 🇮🇷🏐
📹 Justin Valencia/Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/DQ0ZbiX4oI
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) September 16, 2025
