Pasay City, Philippines.The Italian men's national volleyball team became the first confirmed semifinalist at the World Championship. The title defenders demonstrated a mature game, learned from their loss against Belgium in the group stage, and this time left no chance for their opponents.
In the quarter-final, the "Squadra Azzurra" won decisively with a 3:0 score (25:13, 25:18, 25:18).
Their next opponent will be the winner of the Poland – Turkey match, which promises another spectacle in the fight for a spot in the final.
Match Result
Italy – Belgium 3:0 (25:13, 25:18, 25:18)
Match Statistics
Team Performance
| Statistics | Italy | Belgium |
|---|---|---|
| Attack | 35 | 37 |
| Block | 6 | 1 |
| Serve | 8 | 1 |
| Opponent Errors | 26 | 10 |
| Total Points | 75 | 49 |
Belgium even had a slight advantage in attack (37 successful attacks vs 35), but dramatically lagged behind in key elements – serve (8:1) and block (6:1). The biggest difference came from errors: the Belgians gave away a total of 26 points, which doomed their efforts.
Game Elements
| Element | Italy | Belgium |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive digs | 49 | 48 |
| Reception | 37 | 67 |
| Setting (assists) | 69 | 93 |
Belgium stands out with more receptions and assists, but this does not translate into effectiveness. The Italians managed with slightly fewer rallies, but were much more productive and stable in defense.
Top scorers
| Italy | Points | Belgium | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russo (#19) | 12 | Reggers (#2) | 13 |
| Michieletto (#5) | 11 | Deroo (#3) | 11 |
The top scorer in the match is the Belgian opposite Reggers with 13 points, but Italy demonstrated more balance in attack Russo and Michieletto almost equal, and in addition came strong serves and blocks. This collective superiority tipped the scales.
Italy showed why they are the current world champions with discipline, minimal errors, and superiority in power elements. Belgium, although attempting to resist, self-destructed their chances with excessive unforced errors.
It remains to be seen whether the semi-final will lead to a 'final before the final' with Poland (the two teams met in a dispute for gold in 2022 in Katowice, where Italy triumphed) or to a new intrigue with Turkey.
photos: Nikolay Varadinov
