World champions Italy defeated Argentina 3:1 (36:34, 22:25, 25:19, 25:22) in a friendly match played in front of over 3000 spectators at the BTS Arena in Trento. The test match was the last for the "Azzurri" before their departure for Japan for the third week of the Volleyball Nations League, which will be decisive for qualification for the Final Tournament in Ningbo (China).
The match marked the official return to the national team of captain Simone Giannelli, libero Fabio Balaso, opposite Yuri Romano, and middle blocker Roberto Russo, who once again donned the Italy jersey after winning the world title in 2025.
Head coach Ferdinando De Giorgi started with Giannelli (setter) and Romano (opposite), Mattia Bottolo and Daniele Lavia as outside hitters, Gianluca Galassi and Roberto Russo as middle blockers, and Fabio Balaso as libero. Argentina, led by Fabián Hugo Muraco, fielded Loser, Armoa, Kukartsev, Vicentin, Zerba, Giraudo, and libero Massimino.
The very first set offered a true spectacle. After an even start, Argentina took a 10:7 lead, but Italy quickly equalized. Gradually, the hosts took the initiative and reached a 20:16 advantage, but the South Americans fought back. Numerous ties followed at 26:26, 28:28, 30:30, 32:32, and 34:34, before Mattia Bottolo secured Italy's success with a 36:34 win after 45 minutes of play.
Argentina responded in the second set. After an even game, the visitors turned the score around at the end and prevailed 25:22 to level the overall score.
In the third set, the "Azzurri" regained control. An excellent contribution from Alessandro Bovolenta helped Italy build a solid 16:9 lead. Although Argentina reduced the deficit to three points, the Italians held onto their lead and won the set 25:19.
In the fourth set, De Giorgi made a number of changes, with Lorenzano, Porro, Sanguinetti, and Matti entering the court. After another contested battle, Italy took a 17:15 lead after a successful block and did not relinquish the initiative until the end. Matti scored the final point for a 25:22 win and a 3:1 victory.
After the test match, the Italian national team returns to Cavalese, where they will continue their preparations until July 10, when they depart for the Japanese city of Osaka. There, Italy will participate in the third tournament of the Volleyball Nations League, which will determine which teams will qualify for the Final Tournament in Ningbo (China), scheduled for July 29 – August 2.
photos:federvolley.it
