What Italy conquered three years ago in Katowice, Poland, belongs to the past — etched in history but no longer the measure of today.
For seasoned setter Simone Giannelli, the challenge now is to steer the Azzurri toward a new chapter — one that could further add to their already rich legacy and etch fresh glory into the defending FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship champions.
“We don’t have to defend anything; we have to go on and try to search and find another title, another history for Italy,” said the 29-year-old playmaker following their 25-13, 25-22, 25-17 debut win over Algeria on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Azzurri are eyeing a fifth World Championship crown, but the path is steeper than ever with the field expanding to 32 teams for the very first time.
Giannelli believes that to add a second consecutive trophy to Italy’s already stacked shelf, the team must lock in and keep their focus solely on the court — shutting out the noise and brushing off the pressure.
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“I think we have to be focused on the game, not put pressure on ourselves with other things or other stuff,” said the three-time FIVB Club World Championship MVP.
“The important thing is to be on the court, to stay focused on what we have to do mentally, and after this, we will see whatever happens,” he added.
Fueled by the sting of last month’s VNL loss to Poland, Italy came out with guns blazing. The team bulldozed World No.87 Algeria to secure their first win in Pool F and log the second fastest game in the 32-team world thus far.
But despite the dominant victory, Giannelli — who posted a 49.12-percent setting efficiency — said there are still areas the team must sharpen, particularly their blocking, to match the level of competition that awaits in the coming games against Belgium and Ukraine.
“I think it was a good start for us, maybe not the perfect start, but perfect doesn’t exist. I think that we have to be focused for our next game,” said the only player to have earned an MVP award at both an FIVB World Championship and Club World Championship.
For Giannelli, the present is where a new history begins, and he’s eager to write another chapter worthy of the Azzurri’s legacy here in Manila.
“I think we don’t have to defend nothing. Our title is in our history and it will rest forever for us.”
