Italvolley, a comeback against Belgium: The Finals are now within reach

Italy secured its sixth victory in the Volleyball Nations League and took another important step toward qualifying for the Finals. In the second of four matches scheduled in Osaka, the national team led by head coach Ferdinando De Giorgi defeated Emanuele Zanini’s Belgium squad with a decisive 3-0 victory, winning the sets 25-20, 25-22, and 25-22.

Thanks to this victory, the Azzurri have climbed to 20 points in the standings, solidifying their position in the race for the Finals. After a scheduled rest day tomorrow, Italy will return to the court to face its final two matches of the preliminary round: on July 18 against Argentina (at 12:20 p.m. Italian time) and on July 19 against Cuba (at 8:30 a.m.).

De Giorgi’s team played a solid and commanding match, taking the initiative right from the start and maintaining control of the game throughout. The Azzurri consistently managed the pace and intensity, never giving their opponents a chance to mount a comeback, and closed out the match with a well-deserved three-set victory.

Individually, Belgium’s Reggers was the match’s top scorer with 14 points, while Romanò and Mati stood out for Italy, each scoring 13 points. The day was also special for Italian outside hitter Francesco Sani, who celebrated his birthday during the national team’s training camp.

For the match, De Giorgi fielded Giannelli at setter with Romanò at opposite, Sanguinetti and Pardo at middle blocker, Porro and Bottolo at outside hitter, and Balaso as libero. Belgium, coached by Italian Emanuele Zanini, responded with Reggers at opposite, Plaskie at setter, D’Heer and Rotty at middle blocker, Valkiers and Colson as outside hitters, and Lantsoght as libero.