STANDING on top of a makeshift stage at the mid-lower box area of the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay to the tune of Coldplay’s hit song “Sky Full of Stars,” the Italian spikers lifted the shinning FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship trophy as confetti also rained on them last Sunday night.
Those are just complementary to what they have accomplished after 16 grueling days, and the most important thing the Azzurri did?
Like what star outside hitter Alessandro Michieletto said that mattered most—win it all and go home to their country, to their mothers, wives, girlfriends, daughters, or sisters with the gold medal.
“The important thing is to get the gold. I’m very happy because this summer we won two medals in the VNL (silver) and the World Championship. I can say we are the best team in the world,” Michieletto, who was named tournament MVP, said. “We played not so good in the pool phase. I think that after we improved, we played better against Argentina, Belgium, Poland.
“So, I think we have no secrets. But we know that to win this match, we have to play all good, like a perfect machine,” he added.
The 5-foot-11 Michieletto spoke after the world No. 2 Italians essayed a 25-21, 25-17, 17-25, 25-10 victory over Bulgaria in a riveting one-match final to annex a second straight crown in the prestigious world volley extravaganza.
Ace playmaker Simone Giannelli echoed the sentiments of his teammate after they repeated as world champs.
“It’s amazing to be here and we’re here for the second time as gold medalists. It’s something great, something that I never imagined in my life. So, I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to play here, play with my teammates and to enjoy the court,” Giannelli said. “I’m very happy. I think that we made history because we’re now back-to-back champions. It’s something that doesn’t happen very often, and yes, I want to come back to Italy.
“I want to go back to my family, to my friends, to show this medal, and to hug them because a lot of time we are around the world, so I want to go and rest a little bit.”
Alas Pilipinas presented the championship to the Italians and perhaps the Filipinos can draw a lot of inspiration from the defending two-time titlists.
For now, the Italians are headed home with the diadem they dearly want to show to their countrymen.
“For the Filipino fans, I’m so grateful because playing here is incredible. They love volleyball, they are very kind,” Michieletto said. “So, I hope that I will come back here to play. Thank you very much.
“To the Italian fans, I can’t wait to come back to Italy for the trophy. Ciao!”
Some banners and mini-flags of Italy were left on the seats as the arena emptied near midnight—but not the wonderful memories.
