John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

The Iranian men's national volleyball team at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship. Volleyball World

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Iran

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:958px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1758112695927ofm7ygoibopz0cwf4fsu.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">The Iranian men&#x27;s national volleyball team at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men&#x27;s World Championship. <em>Volleyball World</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — World No. 16 Iran is letting us know that they are not backing down against upset-seeking No. 77 Alas Pilipinas.</p><p>Moments after the Iranians&#x27; win against Tunisia, 23-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-16, on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena, Iran head coach Roberto Piazza issued an apology because they about to battle the host nation in Pool A of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men&#x27;s World Championship.</p><p>“Sorry. I can say sorry because I would like to play against another team—and not against the Philippines, because it’s the host of the World Championship,” said Piazza.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2025/9/17/angiolino-frigoni-keeps-alas-men-grounded-after-historic-win-in-fivb-worlds-1738"><strong>READ: Volleyball: Angiolino Frigoni keeps Alas Men grounded after historic win in FIVB Worlds<br/></strong></a></div><p>As the games wrapped up yesterday, it turns out that Philippines is now standing on Iran&#x27;s way to the Round of 16.</p><p>Piazza said he&#x27;s focusing on his team and not on opposing squads, as they, by then, waited for the result of the Philippines-Egypt showdown.</p><p>Alas went on to score an upset against the World No. 21 and defending African champions, 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2025/9/16/alas-pilipinas-men-make-history-defeat-egypt-for-first-ever-win-in-fivb-worlds-1943"><strong>READ: Alas Pilipinas Men make history, defeat Egypt for first-ever win in FIVB Worlds<br/></strong></a></div><p>&quot;It’s depending on us and also from the result of the other one [Philippines vs. Egypt] but first thing, we can do a step. That’s why I prefer to put the focus on my team and we have to be quiet but so determined,&quot; he said.</p><p>Piazza was also in the Manila leg in the previous Volleyball Nations League (VNL).</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2025/9/17/fivb-worlds-fearless-alas-men-still-embracing-nothing-to-lose-mindset-ahead-of-iran-bout-2030"><strong>READ: FIVB Worlds: Fearless Alas Men still embracing &#x27;nothing to lose&#x27; mindset ahead of Iran bout<br/></strong></a></div><p>&quot;It’s my fourth season in a row that I am here [in Manila]. Before, I’m here in the VNL and now in the World Championship. Every time, it’s amazing, the situation. But I need to think about my team so that’s why I want to put the focus on us,&quot; the Italian mentor added.</p><p>Iran and Philippines will conclude Pool A action on Thursday at the same Pasay venue. First serve is scheduled at 5:30 p.m.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Mgt47kJzCLs??si=aNjXZpfcOBXBe8OF&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>“Sorry. I can say sorry because I would like to play against another team—and not against the Philippines, because it’s the host of the World Championship,” said Team Iran's Roberto Piazza. #MWCH2025 </p>

“Sorry. I can say sorry because I would like to play against another team—and not against the Philippines, because it’s the host of the World Championship,” said Team Iran's Roberto Piazza. #MWCH2025

Iran coach says sorry to PH ahead of FIVB Worlds bout

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Iran coach says sorry to PH ahead of FIVB Worlds bout

Kennedy Caacbay,

ABS-CBN News

Published September 18, 2025 12:24 AM PHT

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2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship

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