Overview

• Italy beat Belgium 3-0 in the quarterfinals, winning 25-13, 25-18, 25-18 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila.
• The matchup reversed the group-stage loss to Belgium as Italy contained opposite Ferre Reggers and embraced coach Ferdinando De Giorgi’s do-or-die mindset rather than a revenge frame.
• Serve pressure and blocking drove the result, with several aces, a clear edge at the net, and smart distribution from setter Simone Giannelli.
• Roberto Russo and Alessandro Michieletto stood out, with Russo prolific in attack and Michieletto impactful from the baseline and at the net.
• The Azzurri advanced to their seventh World Championship semifinal and will face Poland on Saturday in Manila.