Throughout their stay in the Philippines, Italy’s players often spoke about their close bond and family-like unity — a connection that was evident in how they treated everyone around them.
Every interaction reflected that this team was more than just colleagues. They exchanged hugs and kisses on the cheek freely, whether with teammates, coaches, federation members, or even the Italian media covering their journey.
That sense of family was never clearer than on Sunday night, when the Azzurri, led by captain Simone Giannelli, paid tribute to their teammate Daniele Lavia after winning their second consecutive FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship title.
Lavia had been expected to play a key role in the squad, but a painful finger injury just before the start of the 32-nation tournament forced him to miss the trip.
Before stepping onto the podium to receive his medal, Giannelli proudly raised Lavia’s jersey and wore it throughout the awarding ceremony — backwards, so that Lavia’s name faced the crowd.
The team also honored Giovanni Sanguinetti, who had been part of the team’s preparations but missed the tournament due to a right ankle injury.
“No, the team — the team decided to bring the jersey. We are like a family,” said Giannelli, the back-to-back World Championship Best Setter.
“Unfortunately, Daniele is at home because of a finger injury that happened before we started our journey here in the Philippines for the World Championship,” he added.
Lavia watched the celebrations from home as part of Italy’s live broadcast team, and Giannelli made sure he felt included in every moment of the triumph.
“For me, especially, it’s hard because Daniele deserves to be here with us, to win this gold medal alongside us. But you know, this is life,” Giannelli said.
“Also, Sanguinetti was with us from the very beginning. Today, he wasn’t here physically, but they were here with us in our hearts and minds, present every day with us. They are part of the group.”
#WATCH: Italy’s Simone Giannelli proud to inspire Filipino kids, saying players should leave a positive mark wherever they go 🇮🇹🏐#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/pmOOZM5uzI
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— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) September 28, 2025
