Italy sweeps Ukraine, continues title defense bid in FIVB Men's World Championship

After absorbing a stunning loss against Belgium, Italy bounced back and swept Ukraine, 25-21, 25-22, 25-18, Thursday in the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Alessandro Michieletto led the Italians with 13 points to finish the pool phase with two wins and one loss.

Yurii Semeniuk, meanwhile, paced Ukraine with 14 points as they finished with a 1-2 card.

"It's amazing to be here, to compete for our goal. We knew before we came here [that] our ride in this tournament is very difficult because we're gonna face a lot of very good teams," Italy captain Simone Giannelli said.

With the win, Italy booked the last spot for the Round of 16 and will face Argentina in the next phase of the tournament.

Earlier in the day, Belgium (3-0) swept Algeria (0-3), 25-22, 25-20, 25-12.

Belgium will take on Finland in the Round of 16.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News