Reigning champion Italy opened its title defense in dominant fashion, sweeping Algeria, 25-13, 25-22, 25-17, to kick off their Pool F campaign in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Azzurri, who last hoisted the crown in 2022, leaned on the firepower of their outside hitters.
Alessandro Michieletto spearheaded the charge with a match-high 15 points built on nine kills, four aces, and two blocks.
“Every team at the World Championship is very good,” said Michieletto. “The level is very high, and our pool is strong. The path to the final won’t be easy, but we’re confident as long as we keep our focus.”
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Mattia Bottolo followed closely with 13 markers off 11 kills and two aces, while opposite Yuri Romanò chipped in 11.
Italy’s balance showed across the stat sheet, outgunning Algeria in kills (39-32), blocks (8-3), and aces (7-0), while committing fewer errors (17-21).
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Back on the world stage for the first time since 1998, Algeria struggled to match the champions’ intensity. However, the team saw bright spots from Sidi Dour, who finished with 11 points, and Boudjemaa Ikken, who tallied 10.
In the other Pool F fixture, Belgium made a statement of their own, dispatching continental rivals Ukraine in straight sets, 25-16, 25-17, 25-22.
Both Italy and Belgium now sit atop the group with three points apiece, as only the top two advance to the Round of 16.
#WATCH: Alessandro Michieletto hopes more Filipino fans will cheer Italy on in their title defense at #MWCH2025! 🇮🇹🏐
📹 @ErnestTuazon /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/9PNdk3jzBi
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) September 14, 2025
