The “Azzurri” are happy after their victory against Bulgaria.

Italy has an easy game with Giannelli

The "Volleyball Azzurri," led by captain Simone Giannelli from Bolzano, kicked off their Nations League campaign with a fitting 3-1 victory against Bulgaria. Today, they face Germany in Quebec City (22.30:XNUMX p.m. CEST).

June 11, 2025

From: ph

From 7:7 onwards, Italy (initially) had an easy game. Setter Simone Giannelli (two points on the block in the set) skillfully deployed his attackers, and the Bulgarian side was in chaos. The Azzurri, playing without superstar Alessandro Michieletto, won the first set 25:16.

The Trentino star was duly replaced by Francesco Sani on the outside attack. Giannelli's one-handed pass, which led to a 17-14 lead, received much applause. But the Bulgarians heated up the Azzurri with powerful serves, suddenly leading 23-20 in the second set. The set was tied at 25-22.

From a 13-16 deficit in the third set, Italy regained its focus and played better. Bulgaria had little to offer and lost sets three and four 19-25. The winner had the better of the block (11-6 for the "Azzurri"). Both teams produced six aces each.

Mattia Bottolo and Giovannimaria Gargiulo each scored 13 points. Naturalized Kamil Rychlicki scored ten. Giannelli contributed eight points (three blocks, two aces, and three offensive points).

Giannelli said after the match: "Bulgaria has a talented team with some very good servers. But we did very well and showed good volleyball from the third set onwards. That was a successful start. There are still many good teams waiting. We have to stay focused and focus on ourselves. In the Nations League, it's fast-paced action. But that's the case for everyone."

Italy's other opponents in Canada are Germany (Thursday, 22.30:2 p.m. CEST), France (Saturday, 17 a.m.), and Argentina (Sunday, XNUMX p.m.). After that, the Nations League continues in the USA.