Simone Giannelli & Co. welcomed like heroes

Urgent security forces, flashing cameras, outstretched microphones, and screaming fans – Italy's newly crowned volleyball world champions caused quite a stir at Rome airport.

September 30, 2025

From: fop

The Italian capital is in volleyball fever! Proof of this? The Azzurri's return home on Monday evening, which caused quite a stir at Fiumicino Airport.

Captain Simone Giannelli was the first to enter the reception hall with the World Cup trophy in his hand, followed by successful coach Ferdinando De Giorgi and finally the other 13 gold medal winners. They defended their world championship title on Sunday with an impressive performance against Bulgaria.

Simone Giannelli, Alessandro Michieletto and co. patiently answered questions in interviews, signed autographs and posed for selfies.

However, there will soon be a large official reception for the 29-year-old South Tyrolean and his teammates in Rome: On October 8, they will be guests of President Sergio Mattarella in the Quirinal Palace, together with Italy's women's national team, which also secured the world championship title at the beginning of September.