Frigoni keeps expectations in check, says Alas has ‘nothing to lose’ at FIVB Worlds

Alas Pilipinas Men is heading into the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship with valuable experience gained from a rigorous European training camp, where they tested their skills against some of the continent’s top-tier teams.

The two-week camp included tune-up matches in Morocco, Romania, and Portugal, giving the squad a chance to face taller and more seasoned opponents.

Alas’ Italian head coach Angiolino Frigoni said the camp provided the team with much-needed perspective as the tournament draws near.

Still, Frigoni emphasized that no amount of preparation can fully reveal their standing, not until they face their actual opponents in the tournament.

“As I think about the match that we played against Romania the day before yesterday, I think that we are pretty confident but that doesn’t mean anything,” Frigoni told the press during the Media Day on Monday.

“We will see there in the MOA Arena, first time in the World Championship.”

Frigoni, a well-traveled volleyball tactician, isn’t expecting much given that this will mark the country’s debut at the World Championship.

But he vowed the players will give it all, although the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has yet to release the final linuep.

“Filipinos have never been in the World Championship in their volleyball life. There will be emotion, I don’t know,” Frigoni added.

“I hope that we will react good anyways.”

Alas will take on Tunisia first on Friday before facing Egypt and Iran on September 16 and 18, respectively.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News