Defending champion Italy shook off any rust with a three-set drubbing of Algeria in their opening Pool F game at the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship.
Italy was quick to settle down in its FIVB World Championship title defense, scoring a three-set takedown of Algeria, 25-13, 25-22, 25-17, in Pool F at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
However, the victory wasn't without any hiccups.
Thanks to the offense of Boudjemaa Ikken and Soufiane Hosni, the Algerians made themselves a legitimate threat to the reigning champions in set 2, seizing a late 21-17 lead.
But Italy would not be rattled that easily, and the champs' experienced core proved pivotal, with Roberto Russo powering a scoring burst that uncorked an 8-1 finishing kick to take a commanding 2-0 advantage.
After the match, Italy head coach Ferdinando De Giorgi spoke about the importance of getting that first win off of their backs.
Italy got their title defense going with a three-set drubbing of Algeria on Sunday. | Photo: RM Chua / One Sports
“It was important to win because the first match in all competitions, especially in the World Championship are so so nervous, because we want to play,” he told media.
“The preparation was very long, the summer work was very long. We are ready. It was good match because we put pressure on serve and this simplified our play with defense and blocking,” he added.
Acing the opener
Italy’s dominance reared its head in many ways against Algeria, from the team's offensive power to their defense.
But perhaps the most crucial area where the Italians dominated was from the service line, where they fired off seven aces. In contrast, Algeria had none to show for in the three-set loss.
In set 2, top scorer Alessandro Michieletto ended Algeria’s hopes of scoring an upset with three straight services aces to cap the aforementioned 8-1 run.
Michieletto ended up with 15 points, built off of nine attacks and two blocks to go along with his four aces.
Mattia Bottolo added 13 markers, while Yuri Romano finished with 11.
Sidi Dour paced Algeria in the losing effort with 11 points as well.
Italy faces Belgium next on Tuesday, September 16, back at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Algeria faces Ukraine on the same day.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.