Defending champion Italy got its payback, demolishing Belgium in straight sets, 25-13, 25-18, 25-18, to secure a spot in the semifinals of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The lone setback in the pool stage for the Italians came at the hands of the same Belgian squad in a five-set thriller, 23-25, 20-25, 25-22, 25-21, 13-15.
This time, they ensured there would be no repeat, seizing control from start to finish with relentless serving and imposing net defense.
Though Belgium held a slim edge in attacks, 37-35, Italy firmly dictated the match with a 6-1 dominance in blocks and an overwhelming 8-1 cushion from the service line, turning the tide decisively in its favor.
Roberto Russo anchored Italy’s net defense with four blocks on top of six attacks and two aces to lead the team with 12 points.
Meanwhile, Alessandro Michieletto made his presence felt from the service area, firing a game-high four aces along with seven attacks for 11 markers.
Simone Giannelli steered the offense with 30 excellent sets to go along with four points as the Italians secured a top-four finish in the 32-nation World Championship.
“We know that Belgium is a good team. We lost against them in the pool stage, but it feels good to go to the semifinals. Now we rest, and then we’ll think [about] the next match. It’s important that Italy goes to the semifinals. We’re really happy to be in the semifinals,” Russo said.
“I’m very happy because it was not an easy match today. But we really played hard at every point. And we made it, we are now in the [top] four in the world,” added Giannelli.
Mattia Bottolo added 10 points, all from attacks, and seven excellent receptions. Yuri Romanò and Giovannimaria Gargiulo registered seven and five points, respectively, for Italy.
Italy will now aim for a second straight World Championship Final appearance when it faces the winner of the Poland-Turkey showdown on Saturday.
On the other hand, Belgium wrapped up its campaign with a historic run, reaching the top eight for the first time in 55 years. The last time they achieved the feat was in 1970 in Bulgaria, where they finished eighth.
Ferre Reggers paced the squad with 13 points and six excellent digs, while Sam Deroo chipped in 11 markers in what turned out to be their first loss of the tournament.
