Defending champ Italy swak sa FIVB Men’s World Championship semis

NAKAMIT ng defending champion Italy ang unang semifinals ticket sa 2025 Men’s World Volleyball Championship matapos talunin ang Balgium 25-13, 25-18, 25-18, Miyerkules sa SM Mall of Asia Arena sa Pasay City.

Middle blocker Robert Russo umiskor ng 12 points off six attacks,four blocks at two aces para sa Italians na gumanti mula sa kanilang 23-25, 20-25, 25-22, 25-21, 13-15 loss sa Belgians sa pool stage na ginanap sa Smart Araneta Coliseum Setyembre 16.

Outside hitter Alessandro Michieletto nagpsabog ng four aces, seven attacks para sa 11 points habang outside outside Mattia Bottolo may 10 points, all from attacks.

Italy, na nagwagi rin sa 1990,1994,at 1998, ay makakaharap ang mananalo sa pagitan ng Poland at Türkiye sa Sabado.

“We know Belgium is a good team. We lost to them in the pool stage, but it feels good to be in the semifinals. Now we rest, and then we’ll prepare for the next match. It’s important for Italy to reach the semifinals, and we’re really happy to be here,”Wika ni Russo.

Opposite Ferre Reggers pinamunuan ang opensa ng Belgium sa iniskor na 13 points at six digs,sinundan ng outside hitter Sam Deroo na may 11 points (10 attacks at one ace) habang middle blocker Pieter Coolman at outside hitter Mathijs Desmet bumakas ng tig-six points.

“We tried, we didn’t give up and that’s the only thing I can say about our team. But our level was far from sufficient to put them in difficulty today. We had a good run. It’s sad to finish it like this, of course,” Wika ni Deroo.