Mattia Bottolo (R) of Italy competes against German Alfredo Gomez of Argentina during the round of 16 match between Italy and Argentina at the FIVB Men's World Championship 2025 in Pasay City, the Philippines, on Sept. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
MANILA, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- World No. 2 Italy remained on track to defend their title at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship after sweeping world No. 8 Argentina 3-0 here on Sunday to secure a berth in the top eight.
In Wednesday's quarterfinals, Italy will meet Belgium, who eased past Finland in straight sets in Sunday's other round of 16 match.
Alessandro Michieletto had 15 points and Yuri Romano and Mattia Bottolo added 14 and 13 respectively to lift Italy over Argentina 25-23, 25-20, 25-22.
"I think Argentina showed an incredible level, but we improved our level from the pool," said Michieletto afterwards. "Every match at a World Championship is incredibly difficult. We saw a lot of surprises, but Italy is still here, in Manila, and I hope we can stay another week."
Argentina fought hard for a 20-20 tie in the third set, but three consecutive aces by opposite Romano helped Italy wrap up the match with a 5-2 run.
"With those three aces in a row, Yuri won the third set alone. So incredible!" Michieletto added.
Italy outspiked Argentina 45-38 and made six aces, compared to two for Argentina.
Later on Sunday, opposite Ferre Reggers and outside hitter Sam Deroo combined for 39 points as Belgium recorded a 25-21, 25-17, 25-21 win over Finland. ■
Simone Anzani of Argentina competes during the round of 16 match between Italy and Argentina at the FIVB Men's World Championship 2025 in Pasay City, the Philippines, on Sept. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
Yuri Romano of Italy competes during the round of 16 match between Italy and Argentina at the FIVB Men's World Championship 2025 in Pasay City, the Philippines, on Sept. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
Joaquin Galleyo (Back C) of Argentina competes during the round of 16 match between Italy and Argentina at the FIVB Men's World Championship 2025 in Pasay City, the Philippines, on Sept. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
Pablo Sergio Koukartsev of Argentina competes during the round of 16 match between Italy and Argentina at the FIVB Men's World Championship 2025 in Pasay City, the Philippines, on Sept. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
Players of Italy celebrate after scoring a point during the round of 16 match between Italy and Argentina at the FIVB Men's World Championship 2025 in Pasay City, the Philippines, on Sept. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
Players of Italy celebrate after scoring a point during the round of 16 match between Italy and Argentina at the FIVB Men's World Championship 2025 in Pasay City, the Philippines, on Sept. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
Sam Deroo (L) of Belgium competes during the round of 16 match between Belgium and Finland at the FIVB Men's World Championship 2025 in Pasay City, the Philippines, on Sept. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
Mathijs Desmet of Belgium competes during the round of 16 match between Belgium and Finland at the FIVB Men's World Championship 2025 in Pasay City, the Philippines, on Sept. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
Gorik Lantsoght (R) and Stijn D'Hulst of Belgium compete during the round of 16 match between Belgium and Finland at the FIVB Men's World Championship 2025 in Pasay City, the Philippines, on Sept. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
Samuel Fafchamps (L) of Belgium competes during the round of 16 match between Belgium and Finland at the FIVB Men's World Championship 2025 in Pasay City, the Philippines, on Sept. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
Joonas Mikael Jokela (R) of Finland competes during the round of 16 match between Belgium and Finland at the FIVB Men's World Championship 2025 in Pasay City, the Philippines, on Sept. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
Joonas Mikael Jokela of Finland competes during the round of 16 match between Belgium and Finland at the FIVB Men's World Championship 2025 in Pasay City, the Philippines, on Sept. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
Players of Finland celebrate after scoring a point during the round of 16 match between Belgium and Finland at the FIVB Men's World Championship 2025 in Pasay City, the Philippines, on Sept. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
Players of Belgium celebrate after scoring a point during the round of 16 match between Belgium and Finland at the FIVB Men's World Championship 2025 in Pasay City, the Philippines, on Sept. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
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