Setters’ game to highlight Olympic Qualifier match between Brazil and Italy

Two of the best setters in the world – Bruno Rezende and Simone Giannelli – will renew their Rio 2016 Olympics rivalry, when they meet on October 8 at the Volleyball Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

These two playmakers met at the final of the Olympics, where Brazil took a triumphant 3-0 victory over Italy in front of their home fans in Rio de Janeiro.

Their Rio de Janeiro rematch in Pool A is scheduled on the final day of the men’s Olympic Qualifier on October 8 at 10:00 local time (13:00 UTC), hoping to clinch one of the two spots in the group.

• Watch all the matches of Volleyball Olympic Qualifying Tournament on VBTV starting September 16.

The touch of creativity and the dash of inspiration of their playmakers will help elevate the game of their hitters, ensuring this new matchup to be more intense than ever.

Brazil hope to secure the Paris Olympics spot to extend their perfect appearance record to 16 in the quadrennial and add another gold to their current tally of three. Meanwhile, reigning world champions Italy are looking to make a comeback against Brazil and secure the berth and win their first-ever gold medal at the Olympics after three silver medal finishes.

Brazil and Italy’s latest encounter was on the third week of the 2023 VNL in Pasay City, where the Italians edged the Brazilians 3-1. Both squads progressed to the Finals, where Brazil and Italy finished sixth and fourth, respectively.

Bruno will orchestrate the offence for veterans Ricardo Lucarelli, Alan Souza and Yoandy Leal, with the help of Flavio Gualberto and Lukas Saatkamp on both offense and defense.

Giannelli, on his side of the net, will plan out the plays for his young hitters Alessandro Michieletto, Yuri Romano and Daniele Lavia.

Quick links:
Volleyball Olympic Qualifying Tournament
VBTV
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
Subscribe to Volleyball World's Newsletter