The 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in Pasay City, Philippines, is heating up, and all eyes are on an intriguing quarterfinal clash. Defending champions Italy are set to renew an unexpected rivalry with Belgium, a team that has already proven capable of upsetting the established order.
On Wednesday, September 24th, the SM Mall of Asia Arena will host a rematch laden with narrative. These two nations recently locked horns in Pool F, where Belgium orchestrated a surprising 3-2 victory, topping the group unbeaten with eight points. Italy, despite their pedigree, had to settle for second place with seven points.
Italy`s Unyielding Path: Champions` Resolve Shines Through
Following their pool stage stumble against the Belgians, Italy wasted no time in reaffirming their status as strong contenders. In the Round of 16, they delivered a masterful performance, sweeping a determined Argentina 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-22). It was a display that underscored their championship pedigree and unwavering focus.
The match against Argentina wasn`t without its moments of tension. In the first set, Italy demonstrated remarkable composure, battling back from multiple three-point deficits to seize a narrow win. Control became their mantra in the second set, doubling their lead with precision and power. The sets were punctuated by the brilliance of captain and star setter Simone Giannelli, whose decisive attacks closed out both. The third set saw Argentina push to a 20-20 deadlock, only for Italy`s opposite Yuri Romano to unleash a devastating series of three consecutive aces, effectively sealing the deal. The final point, an elegant two-handed block-out by outside hitter Mattia Bottolo, was a testament to their versatile offensive arsenal.
Belgium`s Historic Ascent: The Red Dragons Take Flight
Meanwhile, the “Red Dragons” of Belgium have been writing their own fairytale in the Philippines. Their journey to the quarterfinals is nothing short of historic, marking their first appearance in the last eight of an FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in an astounding 55 years. Their previous best, an eighth-place finish, dates back to 1970 – a statistic that highlights the monumental achievement of the current squad.
In their Round of 16 encounter, Belgium faced Finland and delivered a convincing 3-0 (25-21, 25-17, 25-21) victory. Despite a slow start in the first set, where they erased a four-point deficit, the Belgians found their rhythm. Outside hitter Mathijs Desmet proved pivotal, securing the winning point in the first set and then closing out the second with a powerful overpass kill. The third set saw Finland attempt to rally, but Belgium maintained control, with 22-year-old opposite Ferre Reggers emphatically ending the match with a block-out hit, igniting celebrations among the Belgian faithful.
An Intriguing Subplot: Italian Guidance for the Red Dragons
Adding another layer of intrigue to this quarterfinal clash is the man at the helm of the Belgian team: Italian coach Emanuele Zanini. Appointed in 2022 as part of the FIVB Empowerment Programme, Zanini has clearly guided Belgium to unprecedented heights. It`s a classic sporting narrative – a coach leading a foreign nation against his homeland, armed with intimate knowledge of the very system he`s now tasked with dismantling.
One might wonder if Zanini is experiencing a peculiar blend of professional pride and patriotic conflict. Coaching Belgium to defeat the defending champions from his own country would be a remarkable, if bittersweet, achievement. It’s a twist that promises to add extra spice to an already compelling encounter.
Looking Ahead: Stakes are Higher, History Awaits
As the tournament progresses in its unforgiving single-elimination format, the quarterfinal between Italy and Belgium is more than just a match; it`s a test of resolve, strategy, and historical ambition. Italy seeks to defend its crown and erase the memory of their Pool F defeat, while Belgium aims to continue its dream run, proving their upset was no fluke and solidifying their place among the world`s elite.
Beyond this enthralling matchup, the tournament continues its high-stakes drama. Monday`s Round of 16 action will see Bulgaria challenge the surprising package Portugal, followed by the unbeaten USA taking on Slovenia. Each game is a stepping stone towards the ultimate goal: being crowned world champion.
All eyes will be on Pasay City as the volleyball world eagerly anticipates whether the reigning champions can reassert dominance, or if the “Red Dragons” can extend their historic flight into the semifinals.
Marcus Blakely 
Wesley Dunham