Italy defeated Brazil 3:1 (21:25, 25:20, 25:18, 25:20) in the prestigious FIPAV Cup Men Elite match in Messina, and the evening in the packed "PalaRescifina" hall held special significance for one of the most successful Italian volleyball referees – Stefano Cesare.
Before 4100 spectators, Stefano Cesare officiated a match for the last time in the uniform of the Italian Volleyball Federation (FIPAV). After the match, he received a special plaque for his long and distinguished refereeing career.
The symbolism was even stronger, as Cesare officiated his own country's national team – something an Italian referee cannot do in an official international match.
The match also had another jubilee nuance – it was the hundredth official encounter between Italy and Brazil, two of the most decorated national teams in world volleyball.
Bernardo Rezende's Brazilians started better and took the first set 25:21. However, Italy gradually imposed their game. The hosts equalized after 25:20, and in the third set, they already had a serious advantage and won it 25:18.
In the fourth set, the world champions again controlled the score. Italy led 8:5 and 15:10, and the inclusion of Yuri Romano also helped Ferdinando De Giorgi's team. The Italians closed the set 25:20 and the match 3:1.
Kamil Rychlicki was the top scorer for the winners with 15 points, while Daniele Lavia and Mattia Bottolo added 13 each. Simone Giannelli and Gianluca Galassi finished with 8 points each, and Giovanni Sanguinetti with 7. For Brazil, Darlan scored 13 points, and Ricardo Lucarelli and Adriano added 9 each. Alessandro Michieletto once again did not record any playing minutes.
The difference in blocking was particularly significant – Italy finished with 12 points from this element against only 2 for Brazil. The Italians also recorded 7 aces against 4 for their opponent.
The victory was Italy's second in the FIPAV Cup Men Elite after their success against Germany. The tournament is part of the final stage of the "Azzurri's" preparation for the European Championship, which will take place from September 10 to 26.
After the tournament, Italy's national team players receive three days off. The team will reassemble on September 3 in Florence for their final preparatory camp, and on September 8, they will depart for Naples, where they will begin their participation in EuroVolley 2026.
The FIPAV Cup Men Elite concludes this evening with the match between Brazil and Cuba, after which the final standings of the tournament will be determined.
photos: FIPAV and Nikolay Varadinov
