Italy has advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2025 Men`s Volleyball World Championship, securing a dominant 3-0 victory against Argentina. Captain Simone Giannelli was once again central to this success, orchestrating the team`s rhythm in the 25-23, 25-20, 25-22 win, bringing the reigning champions closer to their potential fifth world title.
Giannelli`s extensive experience is evident. His senior debut for Italy came as a teenager in 2015, quickly followed by a European bronze and a World Cup silver. He celebrated his 20th birthday during the Rio Olympics. By 2022, seven years later, he was the captain, proudly hoisting Italy`s fourth world title trophy, solidifying his image as a “boy wonder” turned seasoned leader.
Now aged 29, the experienced setter speaks thoughtfully about his career. He considers wearing the Italian national team jersey both a profound privilege and a significant duty, a driving force that sustains him through the rigorous demands of both club and international volleyball.
“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.”
Giannelli understands that winning titles requires more than just talent; it demands unwavering focus, especially during high-pressure situations. He emphasized the necessity for Italy to maintain peak sharpness when competing against the world`s elite to continue their progress.
“It is very important to be present on the court every time, because these matches are very tough. You go against a lot of strong teams, so you have to be focused and play point by point. This resilience is crucial for us, and for the next matches as well.”
The Italian captain also swiftly acknowledged the team`s collective strength. Surrounded by many young players, he articulated how their unity and diligent effort lay the groundwork for their performances, often long before the public witnesses their results on the court.
“We are a very young group, but we want to work together. We enjoy being together. Every summer I play the Champions League final, and after one week I am with the group because I want to stay with my teammates. 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.”
He further noted that the elevated level of competition underscores why every detail is critical. Matches have become increasingly unpredictable, a development Giannelli views as both a challenge for the athletes and an exciting spectacle for the fans.
“The level is very high. We see this during our championship in Italy, and also in Poland and Japan. 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.”
Leading the Italian team from the sidelines is Ferdinando De Giorgi, a legendary setter from the “Generazione di Fenomeni” era, who famously secured three consecutive world titles in the 1990s. De Giorgi returned as coach to guide Italy to their 2022 world championship, and Giannelli acknowledges his ongoing, significant influence on the team`s development.
“He’s a great coach. He was a great player, so his experience is very important for us. He wants us to work a lot. We are growing together. I’m only 29, but every year we push and try to find a new road, a new thing we can work on. We are very happy to be here with him.”
The decisive straight-sets victory against Argentina showcased Italy`s effective blend of youthful energy and seasoned experience. Throughout it all, Giannelli consistently acts as the steadying presence, guiding a team that firmly believes its future success is within reach.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood