Italy’s men’s national volleyball team has once again served notice, advancing confidently into the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship. Their emphatic 3-0 victory over Argentina wasn`t merely another notch on the scoreboard; it was a testament to a well-oiled machine, meticulously calibrated and powered by a familiar, steady hand: captain and setter, Simone Giannelli.
For over a decade, Giannelli has been at the very heart of Italy`s volleyball aspirations, morphing from a prodigious talent into the undisputed architect of their play. Now 29, he carries the weight of a nation’s hopes with a quiet intensity, a demeanor that belies the fiery passion simmering beneath. As the defending champions aim for an unprecedented fifth world crown, Giannelli`s influence extends far beyond mere statistics; he is the pulse of the Azzurri, the strategic mind guiding every nuanced attack.
From Boy Wonder to World Champion
Giannelli’s journey began in earnest in 2015, stepping onto the senior international stage as a teenager. His early career reads like a highlight reel for any aspiring athlete: a European bronze and a World Cup silver before even celebrating his 20th birthday at the Rio Olympics. These formative years forged the raw talent into a diamond, albeit one still finding its perfect facets. Fast forward seven years, and the `boy wonder` had fully matured, lifting Italy’s fourth world title in 2022 as captain – an iconic image etched into the annals of Italian sport, fixing the gaze of fans on the boy with the trophy in his hands.
The Maestro on Court: Focus and Resilience
As a setter, Giannelli is not simply distributing the ball; he is orchestrating the attack, reading opponents, and maintaining the delicate rhythm of the game. His understanding of the flow, particularly in high-stakes matches, is what sets him apart. He speaks with the measured tone of someone who has navigated countless pressure points, underscoring the necessity of unwavering focus, an almost zen-like presence amidst the chaos.
“It is very important to be present on the court every time, because these matches are very tough. You go against a lot of strong teams, so you have to be focused and play point by point. This resilience is crucial for us, and for the next matches as well.”
This isn’t just coach-speak; it`s a profound insight into the mental fortitude required at the elite level. Every point, every set, every match is a battle of wills, and Giannelli consistently ensures Italy remains armed with an unshakeable resolve.
The Privilege and the Unseen Grind
Despite a demanding schedule that sees him traverse the globe for club and country, Giannelli`s commitment to the national team remains absolute. He views wearing the Azzurri shirt not just as a job, but as a sacred trust, a privilege that fuels his relentless effort. It’s a calling, not merely a career.
“It is an honour for me to be here after ten years because I represent my country around the world. It is an honour and a privilege, so I am very happy for this. It is very difficult and sometimes it feels heavy… But for me, my heart is with my national team. So, if I have power in my legs, my body, my brain and my heart, I will play for my national team.”
This dedication is mirrored in the team’s collective ethos. Italy boasts a relatively young squad, yet Giannelli is quick to highlight the profound bond and the immense work put in behind the scenes. It`s the “magic” created daily in practice, the countless hours unnoticed by fans, that truly underpins their on-court performances.
“We are a very young group, but we want to work together. We enjoy being together… When we go on the court, all the fans don’t know how much we train, but we know it, and we create this kind of magic every day of our lives. When we are together, we are all here for one thing – to represent our country.”
A Challenge for Players, a Gift for Fans
The contemporary landscape of men`s volleyball is fiercely competitive, a reality Giannelli acknowledges with a knowing nod. The days of predictable outcomes are largely behind us, replaced by a thrilling unpredictability that demands peak performance at all times. This heightened level, he posits, presents a double-edged sword: a relentless gauntlet for players, but an undeniable spectacle for audiences.
“The level is very high… The level grew a lot, and this is a fantastic thing for us, because we know that every time we go on the court, we have to battle and fight. Every time you go on the court, you can lose against any team. For us it is more difficult, but for the fans it is better, because every time you can see great matches.”
It`s a technical assessment delivered with a touch of sportsmanship – recognizing the arduous nature for players while appreciating the enhanced entertainment for audiences. Indeed, what is agony for the elite competitor often translates directly into ecstasy for the discerning fan.
The Legacy of a Legend: De Giorgi`s Guiding Hand
Guiding this dynamic Italian squad is Ferdinando De Giorgi, a figure deeply entrenched in Italy`s volleyball lore. As a setter during the fabled “Generazione di Fenomeni” of the 1990s, he himself hoisted three consecutive world titles. Now, as coach, he has masterfully revitalized the team, leading them to the 2022 crown. Giannelli speaks of De Giorgi with immense respect, recognizing the invaluable blend of past glory and present strategy, a continuity that only champions can truly appreciate.
“He’s a great coach. He was a great player, so his experience is very important for us. He wants us to work a lot. We are growing together… We are very happy to be here with him.”
This synergy between the legendary coach and his current captain creates a powerful continuity, a passing of the torch where seasoned experience illuminates the path for rising talent, ensuring Italy’s legacy is not just preserved but continually expanded.
Italy`s Future: Firmly in Giannelli`s Hands
As Italy progresses through the 2025 World Championship, the balance of youthful vigor and seasoned expertise is palpable. At its core, the quiet, focused leadership of Simone Giannelli provides the unwavering backbone. His tactical acumen, profound dedication, and unshakeable belief in collective strength are not just assets; they are the very scaffolding upon which Italy’s ambitious future is being constructed. With Giannelli setting the rhythm, the dream of a fifth world title feels not just attainable, but almost inevitable, a testament to an unyielding architect and his devoted team.
Felix Harwood 
Rupert Caldwell