Defending champion Italy blanks Argentina to advance to FIVB Worlds quarterfinals

Italy inched closer to a second consecutive world title after blanking erstwhile unbeaten Argentina, 25-23, 25-20, 25-22, in their Round of 16 duel at the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship on Sunday at the MOA Arena.

Alessandro Michieletto proved to be too much for Argentina, dropping a team-high 15 points anchored on 12 attacks three blocks laced with three digs and eight receptions as the world no. 2 Italians advanced to the quarterfinals. 

The 23-year-old Michieletto had ample support with Yuri Romano and Mattia Bottolo posting 14 and 13 markers, respectively. 

Argentina kept Italy at bay in the third frame after German Alfredo Gomez unleashed a kill that tied things up at 20-all. But Italy pulled away for good, thanks to three straight aces from the lefty Romano that sent the Italians to the match point at 24-20. 

Argentina tried to mount some fightback after Luciano Vicentin sparked a 2-0 run, but Bottolo finished it off with a hammer off an out-of-system set from Romano. 

Vicentin paced Argentina, who went undefeated in the group stage with a 3-0 card, as he unloaded 15 points while Joaquin Gallego chipped in nine markers.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News