From Italy’s golden generation to the Philippines’ first-ever World Championship win, Angiolino Frigoni has brought pedigree, patience, and pride to Alas Pilipinas.
When Angiolino Frigoni first arrived in the Philippines in 2024 to take the reins of Alas Pilipinas Men, he knew the challenge was daunting.
The Italian tactician had coached world champions and Olympic medalists, yet here he was, entrusted with a program still carving out its identity in Asian volleyball.
One year later, Frigoni lay on the floor of the Mall of Asia Arena after Alas Pilipinas scored their first-ever FIVB World Championship victory against Egypt.
For him, it wasn’t just about winning a match—it was about proving that his team could stand on the same court as the world’s best.
A coach with pedigree
Frigoni’s credentials speak volumes. He was part of Italy’s golden era in the 1990s, serving as assistant coach for the men’s national team that captured two World Championships (1990, 1994), six World League titles, and a silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
As head coach, he guided Italy’s women’s team to a EuroVolley bronze in 1999, steered Egypt to an African Championship in 2015, and led Italy’s U-21 men to the 2021 world title.
By the time he took over the Philippine men's volleyball team in 2024, he had seen every corner of the sport—from global podiums to grassroots programs.
Building from the ground up
When he debuted with Alas Pilipinas at the 2024 SEA V.League, Frigoni was frank about where the program stood.
“I think we are very far from the highest level. We have to compete at this level now. Maybe in the future, we can improve, but for now, this is our level,” he said then.
“We cannot leap from where we are to the top level immediately. We have to advance incrementally.”
[ALSO READ: New coach Angiolino Frigoni makes honest assessment of Alas Pilipinas Men after nabbing first victory in SEA V.League]
That incremental growth became his mantra with Alas.
Through his short time with the national team, Frigoni emphasized patience with a roster that included university players, acknowledging their potential while stressing that consistency would be the real test.
“Nothing to lose”
Before the FIVB World Championship, Frigoni framed the campaign as both an opportunity and a learning curve.
“We don’t have anything to lose to be in this experience,” he said. “The teams that have something to lose are our opponents. They must be very relaxed to play and be confident.”
[ALSO READ: Angiolino Frigoni says Alas has ‘nothing to lose’ in FIVB World Championship experience]
That mindset fueled Alas Pilipinas’ historic moments: their first-ever World Championship win against Egypt, and their near-upset of Asian powerhouse Iran in front of a roaring home crowd.
A coach’s joy and pain
Frigoni’s reaction after the win over Egypt was raw and heartfelt.
“I laid on the ground because I was very happy,” he said.
“This team was with me for 16 months, and I saw how they improved. I was waiting for them to win one match to show everybody how we improved in these 16 months. That happened today.”
Yet, just days later, the heartbreak against Iran brought a different kind of emotion. Alas had six match points deciding fifth set before falling, 22-20.
“I am very proud because we improved a lot. We showed that we can play good volleyball,” Frigoni said after the loss.
“We were in a dream, and they woke up just one point before the dream was finished. That’s the life of sport. Painful, but I am very proud of them.”
Steady progress
From a bronze medal in the 2024 SEA V.League to a breakthrough win in the World Championship, Frigoni has already left his imprint on Philippine volleyball.
His mix of world-class pedigree and patient, pragmatic leadership has helped Alas Pilipinas take steps many once thought impossible.
The Italian coach often reminds his players that growth comes in stages, not leaps. And under his watch, those stages have already turned into milestones.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.