Italy made sure there were no upsets this time.

Capitalizing on an error-prone Belgium side, the defending champions aced their quarterfinal task, 25-13, 25-18, 25-18, in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship on Wednesday, September 24, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The World No. 2 is through to the semifinals and will face the winner of the Poland-Türkiye encounter later in the day.

The Belgians, for their part, could not repeat a shocker against the Gli Azzurri, after previously scoring a 25-23, 25-20, 22-25, 21-25, 15-13 over them in the pool phase.

Italy captain Simone Giannelli said they prepared for the Belgians, particularly Ferre Reggers and Sam Deroo.

“I think that we studied a lot that match, in the first round. In that match, we played not so good, but they were on fire. Most of all, Reggers and Deroo. But yes, we studied a lot,” Giannelli, who tallied 30 excellent sets, told reporters after the game.

Roberto Russo top-scored the Italians with 12 points while asserting his dominance on the net with four blocks.

Alessandro Michieletto had four aces from the service line, totaling 11 markers, as Mattia Bottolo also breached twin-digit scoring with 10 attack points.

The Italians garnered 26 points off Belgium’s faults, while giving up only 10 from their side.

Asked whether they are bracing for Poland or Türkiye, Giannelli said they are “both amazing.”

“For us, it will be difficult, because both teams are amazing. Poland maybe is the best team of this World Championship. So it’s going to be hard against them if they win,” he said.

“It will be hard for us, but we try to do our best,” the Italian star added. (ABS-CBN News)