Roberto Russo delivered when it mattered most, firing the ace that sealed Italy’s return to the semifinals of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The defending champions dismantled Belgium in straight sets, 25-13, 25-18, 25-18, wrapping up their quarterfinal encounter in just 76 minutes.
Russo, 28, anchored the Italian charge with a team-high 12 points, including key blocks that handed his team the first and second set winners. Italy will now face the winner of the Poland–Turkiye quarterfinal scheduled later in the evening.
“I am really happy, because the tournament is very difficult and we won over Belgium, a great and powerful team to whom we lost in the pool. But today was another match and I am really happy for this win,” said Russo after the match.
Outside hitter Alessandro Michieletto added firepower for Italy, drilling four aces on his way to an 11-point performance.
Earlier in the day, Iran outlasted Serbia in a grueling five-set battle, 23-25, 25-19, 24-26, 25-22, 15-9, to clinch a quarterfinal berth.
Captain Morteza Sharifi capped Iran’s victory with the decisive point after sparking a 4-1 closing run. Sharifi also impressed on both ends, tallying three kill blocks and two aces, while opposite Ali Hajipour matched his scoring output with 23 points.
Iran will meet Czechia in Thursday’s quarterfinals as the knockout rounds continue.
