The group stage of the Italian national team ends in the best possible way and, after overcoming Brazil and Egypt, it does the same on the last day of the group games by beating Poland 3-1 and closing Pool B in first place, also confirming itself as the best among the top ranked. Based on the results of the other groups, Italy will challenge Japan in the Quarter Finals, scheduled for Monday (at 1.00 pm), while Poland, today’s opponent, will face Slovenia.
After taking a 2-0 lead, Ferdinando De Giorgi’s national team suffered a comeback from the Polish team, capable of winning the third set. In the fourth and final set the character of the Azzurri came out, as they beat Poland with a 25-20 which propels Giannelli and his teammates towards the direct elimination phase.
Top scorer in Italy is Yuri Romanò, who closes his match with 20 points scored (including 4 aces). Also in double figures were Alessandro Michieletto (17 points), Daniele Lavia (12 points) and central defender Gianluca Galassi (10 points including 6 blocks).
Below are the Italian players called up and their respective teams for the 2024/25 season.
Setters: Simone Giannelli (Captain, Sir Susa Vim Perugia) and Riccardo Sbertoli (Itas Trentino).
Spikers: Alessandro Michieletto (Itas Trentino), Daniele Lavia (Itas Trentino), Luca Porro (Sonepar Padova), Mattia Bottolo (Cucine Lube Civitanova).
Power plants: Gianluca Galassi (Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza), Roberto Russo (Sir Susa Vim Perugia), Giovanni Sanguinetti (Valsa Group Modena).
Opposites: Yuri Romanò (Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza), Alessandro Bovolenta (Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza).
Libero: Fabio Balaso (Cucine Lube Civitanova).
Reserve: Gabriele Laurenzano (Itas Trentino).
The Italian national team’s group stage calendar
Saturday 27 July 2024
Italy – Brazil 3-1 (25-23, 27-25, 18-25, 25-21)
Tuesday 30 July 2024
Italy – Egypt 3-0 (25-15, 25-16, 25-20)
Saturday 3 August 2024
Italy – Poland 3-1 (25-15, 25-18, 24-26, 25-20)
The calendar of the direct elimination phase
Monday 5 August 2024
Quarter finals
9.00 am, Slovenia – Poland
1.00 pm, Italy – Japan
5.00 pm, France – Germany
9.00 pm, United States – Brazil
Wednesday 7 August 2024
Semi-finals at 4.00pm and 8.00pm
Friday 9 August 2024
Bronze medal final at 4.00pm
Saturday 10 August 2024
Gold medal final at 1.00pm
