Italvolley: A Big Celebration for Simone Giannelli’s Return

A strong performance by the men’s national team, which defeated Argentina 3-1 (36-34, 22-25, 25-19, 25-22) at the BTS Arena in Trento following a hard-fought and spectacular friendly match watched by over 3,000 spectators. The evening marked the return to the court—in an official match following their 2025 World Championship triumph—of four pillars of the national team: captain Simone Giannelli, Fabio Balaso, Yuri Romanò, and Roberto Russo.

Italy had to work hard, especially in the first set, which lasted a full 45 minutes and was won in a tiebreaker, 36-34. After losing the second set to the Argentines (22-25), the Azzurri responded decisively, winning the third and fourth sets and closing out the match in full merit.

Also present in the stands at the BTS Arena was Alessandro Michieletto, who, as is well known, is currently participating in the national team’s training camp in Cavalese. For the occasion, head coach Ferdinando De Giorgi fielded Giannelli at setter with Romanò as opposite, Bottolo and Lavia as outside hitters, Galassi and Russo as middle blockers, and Balaso as libero.

Argentina, led by head coach Fabian Hugo Muraco, took the court with Lozer, Armoa, Koukartsev, Vicentin, Zerba, Giraudo, and libero Massimino.