As the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship heats up, one name consistently surfaces as the linchpin of Italian ambition: Simone Giannelli. Fresh off a dominant 3-0 victory over Argentina, Italy has marched into the quarterfinals, a testament not just to raw talent, but to the precise orchestration led by their enigmatic captain.
In the high-stakes arena of international volleyball, where brute force often steals the headlines, Giannelli operates with the quiet finesse of a master strategist. He is the setter, the conductor, the mind behind the mayhem, ensuring every spike finds its mark and every block holds its ground. His recent performance, guiding Italy to a decisive 25-23, 25-20, 25-22 triumph, underscores his irreplaceable value to a squad fiercely pursuing a historic fifth world crown.
From Boy Wonder to Seasoned Skipper
Giannelli’s journey with the Azzurri is one steeped in early promise and sustained excellence. He burst onto the senior scene in 2015 as a precocious teenager, quickly amassing a European bronze and a World Cup silver before even celebrating his 20th birthday at the Rio Olympics. Yet, it was seven years later, in 2022, that he truly cemented his legend, captaining Italy to their fourth world title. That image – the “boy wonder” now a confident leader, hoisting the coveted trophy – perfectly encapsulated his rapid ascension.
Now 29, Giannelli carries the gravitas of a decade spent battling on the world`s most competitive courts. His words, delivered with a calm authority, speak volumes about his profound connection to the Italian jersey. For him, it`s not merely a uniform; it`s a second skin, imbued with both immense privilege and unshakeable duty.
“It is an honour for me to be here after ten years because I represent my country around the world. It is an honour and a privilege, so I am very happy for this. It is very difficult and sometimes it feels heavy, because we are around the world all year with the club, and all summer with the national team. But for me, my heart is with my national team. So, if I have power in my legs, my body, my brain and my heart, I will play for my national team.”
Such is the dedication that defines Simone Giannelli – a burden few would trade, especially when a world title hangs tantalizingly in the balance. It`s a commitment that transcends the grueling club season and extends into the relentless summer campaign, all fueled by an unyielding patriotic fire.
The Philosophy of Precision and Brotherhood
Success at this elite level, Giannelli understands, isn`t simply about talent; it`s about an almost obsessive focus, especially when the pressure cooker is on. His mantra is simple: “point by point.” This resilience, this unwavering concentration through every serve, set, and spike, is the bedrock of Italy’s strategy, particularly as they navigate the treacherous waters of knockout matches.
Beyond individual brilliance, Giannelli champions the strength of the collective. Italy boasts a notably young squad, and their captain sees himself not just as a leader, but as an elder brother fostering an unbreakable bond. He speaks of a “magic” created not by mystical incantations, but by the relentless, often unseen, grind of daily practice and shared purpose.
“We are a very young group, but we want to work together. We enjoy being together… We create this magic every day when we are in practice. When we go on the court, all the fans don’t know how much we train, but we know it, and we create this kind of magic every day of our lives. When we are together, we are all here for one thing – to represent our country. It doesn’t matter who plays, or who is playing better or not so well. For us, the important thing is to represent our flag and our national team as best as we can.”
This “magic” isn`t the wand-waving, fantastical kind, but the gritty, sweat-and-strategy variety forged in countless hours on the court. It`s a powerful ethos that ensures every player, regardless of their role, feels an integral part of Italy`s grand narrative.
Navigating the Global Gauntlet
The contemporary landscape of men`s volleyball is arguably more competitive than ever. Giannelli readily acknowledges this escalating intensity, pointing to the high standards set in domestic leagues across Italy, Poland, and Japan. While this presents a formidable challenge for the athletes, it`s a boon for the spectators.
“The level is very high… The level grew a lot, and this is a fantastic thing for us, because we know that every time we go on the court, we have to battle and fight. Every time you go on the court, you can lose against any team. For us it is more difficult, but for the fans it is better, because every time you can see great matches. There are a lot of teams with amazing players that can play very well.”
For players like Giannelli, every match is a brutal, unpredictable chess game, demanding peak performance and tactical acumen. For fans, however, it guarantees a spectacle, a thrilling display of athletic prowess where upsets are always on the cards.
The Maestro and His Mentor: A Legacy Continues
No great player operates in a vacuum, and Giannelli`s development has been profoundly shaped by coach Ferdinando De Giorgi. De Giorgi himself was a legendary setter during the 1990s, a cornerstone of Italy`s famed `Generazione di Fenomeni` that claimed three consecutive world titles. His return as coach, culminating in the 2022 world crown, has forged a powerful link between eras.
Giannelli speaks of De Giorgi with deep respect, recognizing the invaluable experience and unwavering work ethic his coach imparts. It`s a partnership of shared ambition, continually seeking new avenues for improvement, even for a player as accomplished as Giannelli.
The straight-sets victory over Argentina wasn`t just another win; it was a clear demonstration of Italy`s refined blend of youthful exuberance and veteran wisdom. At the heart of it all, Simone Giannelli remains the steady, guiding hand, leading a team united by a common dream: to etch their names into history with a fifth world title. The future of Italian volleyball, it seems, is in exceptionally capable hands.
Wesley Dunham 
Marcus Blakely