With the quarterfinals just around the corner, the field is narrowing at the Volleyball World Championships in the Philippines. Six of the seven red and white athletes remain in contention for the world title.
The only Cucine Lube Civitanova player to have already left the scene is opposite hitter Pablo Kukartsev, who, despite his excellent personal performance and currently among the most effective blockers, saw his dreams of glory dashed in the Round of 16 against Italy and his new teammates: libero Fabio Balaso, spiker Mattia Bottolo, and middle blocker Giovanni Gargiulo, who won by the largest margins. The Albiceleste’s finisher, ready to embark on a new chapter with the Marche club, closed his adventure with 57 total points, including 43 on offense, 12 blocks, and 3 aces from the nine-meter line. Bottolo, meanwhile, continued his run (54 points, including 49 on offense, with 1 block and 4 aces). Gargiulo was incisive at the block, and Balaso was also among the best in defense.
