Overview

• Italy eliminated Argentina 3-0 in the round of 16 in Manila with set scores of 25-23, 25-20 and 25-22.
• The win sends Italy to a quarterfinal against Belgium, joining Turkey and Poland as confirmed quarterfinalists.
• Luciano Vicentín led Argentina with 15 points, while Alessandro Michieletto, Yuri Romanó and Mattia Bottolo paced Italy with 15, 14 and 13.
• Argentina had topped Group C unbeaten after victories over Finland, South Korea and France before the knockout loss.
• Méndez’s departure closes a successful cycle that began in 2018 and delivered Olympic bronze at Tokyo 2020 and the 2023 South American title.