Iran head coach lauds Alas Pilipinas, says hosts deserve Round of 16 spot

Iran men’s national volleyball team head coach Roberto Piazza believes the Philippines was an equally deserving winner of their do-or-die group stage clash at the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship on Thursday night, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

A win is a win, but the Italian mentor was not happy with the way the Iranians took the victory against the home bet in their five-set thriller, 21-25, 25-21, 17-25, 25-23, 22-20.

If only it was possible, Piazza also wanted the Filipinos to make it to the Round of 16, where they will face the top seed of Group H in Serbia.

"I’m happy because we are in the 16 teams that have to play for the World Championship. I'm not happy about how we played the game,” Piazza said.

"The Philippines played an amazing game. They deserve to be in the 16 teams like us because two points cannot change the game,” he said. "Now, we have to think about the future, but today, we were afraid to play sometimes. The Philippines was perfect on the court.”

Piazza emphasized the wonderful work his compatriot and friend Angiolino Frigoni has done in coaching the Philippine side that saw him lead the Filipinos to their maiden victory in the tournament against Egypt.

"I need to congratulate my colleague from Italia, Angiolino. He did an amazing job. This guy has proven a lot. I’m happy because I am in front, but at the same time, I’m not happy because Angiolino lost,” Piazza said.

"If you are able to learn from Angiolino, all the movements, I think that you can improve a lot,” he added.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News