Italy came up short against Belgium in a dramatic World Championship showdown, losing 2-3 (23-25, 20-25, 25-22, 25-21, 13-15) after a tense battle that went down to the wire.
Belgium recorded a 3-2 victory (25-23, 25-20, 22-25, 21-25, 15-13) over Italy in their second match of the World Championships, following a closely contested encounter.
Italy’s coach Ferdinando De Giorgi confirmed the same starting lineup used in the opener, with Simone Giannelli as setter, Yuri Romanò as opposite, Alessandro Michieletto and Mattia Bottolo on the wings, Simone Anzani and Gianluca Russo in the middle, and Fabio Balaso as libero.
Belgium, under coach Emanuele Zanini, lined up with Stijn D’Hulst at setter, Ferre Reggers as opposite, Sam Deroo and Jolan Rotty as outside hitters, Pieter Coolman and Wout D’Heer as middle blockers, and Robbe Lantsoght as libero.
Belgium secured the opening two sets before Italy responded by winning the third and fourth to extend the match. In the deciding set, Belgium held a narrow lead in the final points to close the match 15-13.
Match Top Scorers
- Ferre Reggers (Belgium) – 20 points
- Sam Deroo (Belgium) – 15 points
- Yuri Romanò (Italy) – 18 points
- Alessandro Michieletto (Italy) – 17 points