Italy is advancing to the FIVB Men’s World Championship Round of 16 after making short work of Ukraine.
The Belgium game was a wake-up call for Italy.
That’s what Mattia Bottolo said after the world No. 2 vented its ire on Ukraine, 25-21, 25-22, 25-18 in the FIVB Men’s World Championship Thursday, September 18.
Bottolo was of course referring to their 25-23, 25-20, 22-25, 21-25, 15-13 loss to Belgium, which put the defending champion in a do-or-die situation against Ukraine.
“It was [alarming] because if we had lost today we’d be at home right now,” said Bottolo, who finished with 12 points in Thursday’s win that got Italy to the Round of 16.
Though they knew nothing’s going to be handed to them on a silver platter in the conclave among the best volleyball countries, Bottolo said the stinging loss lit a fire in them.
“I think facing Belgium changed something in us because we had to set the level higher, because this is the World Championship. (You need) to bring the best you have otherwise you go home,” he added.
But Italy is moving on from the group play debacle as it sets its sights on the next phase against Argentina.
Argentina is coming off a 28-26, 25-23, 21-25, 20-25, 15-12 win against back-to-back Olympic champion France.
Bottolo is embracing the tall task.
“We have to focus on ourselves. That’s what we have learned in this qualification stage,” he said.
“When we play wit our game on our level, its difficult for everyone to face us. Thats the key for our success.”