Setting the tone: Simone Giannelli © Federvolley

Simone Giannelli: The silent superstar in the world champion team

On Monday, Simone Giannelli provided further proof of why he is considered one of the best volleyball players of our time. Just when Italy had its back against the wall in the Olympic quarter-finals against Japan, the captain took control of the game and initiated an incredible comeback.

August 05, 2024

From: leo

When Japan made it 24:21 in the third set, Simone Giannelli's dream of gold threatened to be shattered. He, who has won everything in his illustrious career, fought against the impending defeat like no other. When coach Ferdinando De Giorgi took a timeout and gave his team the final instructions, the Bozen player looked focused on the court. Because he knew that he would have to serve shortly afterwards. After the first match point was fended off, Giannelli was there with an ace - at the most important moment of all times.

The South Tyrolean took note of the 24:24 and the subsequent set win with stoic calm. Only when his team eliminated the fourth match point in the tiebreak and sealed the win, the emotions burst out of him. "I am very pleased with how we fought today and never gave up. We knew it would be very difficult. Those who only follow volleyball peripherally might think that Japan is an easy opponent. But they proved today that they can play at a very high level," the Bozen native told the RAI.

An act of will

Giannelli was not only there with the serve, but also made a major contribution with surprising attacks and strong saves. At the end of the game, he had five points. However, his core area is and remains the precise distribution of the ball to his attackers. Alessandro Michieletto (24 points), Yuri Romanò (19) and Daniele Lavia (19) completed the 28-year-old's preparatory work.

Overjoyed: Italy's volleyball team © Federvolley

"To win this game is a real feat because Japan played exceptionally well and deserved the win," said De Giorgi. "It was really nice to see how the boys looked for a solution until the end, kept pushing, responded correctly and didn't despair. We are a very compact team and have been working towards this goal since 2021."

In the battle for the final, there is now a cracker against the host France, who also made up a 0:2 set deficit against Germany. Earvin N'Gapeth & Co. won 18:25, 26:28, 25:20, 25:21, 15:13. The semi-final will take place on Wednesday.