Angiolino Frigoni banks on preparation, home crowd as Alas Men ready for historic World Championships 

For Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni, the journey of Alas Pilipinas Men into the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship is as much about growth and experience as it is about results.

The Philippines, ranked 31st among 32 nations, enters its first-ever World Championship not weighed down by pressure, but buoyed by the hunger to learn and the chance to showcase progress on the global stage.

“We don’t have anything to lose in this experience,” Frigoni said during the team’s media day at the National Museum of Natural History. “The teams that have something to lose are our opponents. They must be very relaxed to play and be confident.”

The Filipinos face a tough baptism at the SM Mall of Asia Arena starting September 12 against Tunisia, followed by Egypt on September 16 and continental powerhouse Iran on September 18. For Frigoni, though, the challenge lies not only in the strength of the opposition, but also in managing expectations in front of a home crowd eager to witness history.

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‘PRETTY CONFIDENT’

Alas Pilipinas Men head coach Angiolino Frigoni previews the national team’s upcoming foray in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship. #AlasPilipinas #MWCH2025 @spinph pic.twitter.com/SkDnU91d2G

— John Mark Garcia (@johnmarkdg_) September 8, 2025

“We will see in the MOA Arena—first time in the World Championship. Filipinos have never been in the World Championship in their volleyball life. There will be emotion, I don’t know. I hope we will react well anyway,” he said. “So, what I’m telling the Filipinos: please come. We need you. As supporters, we need you because we are going to fight together against Tunisia. Don’t let us fight alone.”

Behind the scenes, Frigoni has already finalized his 14-man lineup from the 21-player pool, though he remains tight-lipped until he personally informs the athletes. 

Not even established stars Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas are assured of spots, with both still regaining form after injuries.

“I already have [the final roster] but I will not tell to the press before I tell the players,” Frigoni said. “I don’t know if Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas are in. They are practicing, they are back from their injuries. Maybe Bryan is not at the top of his shape but he’s back.”

In preparation, Alas Pilipinas has tested itself abroad, taking on teams in Morocco, Romania, and Portugal. Those matches, Frigoni said, served as lessons against taller, more experienced squads that demanded sharper defense and stronger serve execution.

“It was very interesting. We were in Morocco first, then Romania, and after in Portugal. It was like a school for us because we played against teams with tall players, with a good serve, with a good block, and with good defensive strategy, especially Romania and Portugal,” he explained.

“I saw improvements, especially in defense and block organization. We serve better now. We don’t make many mistakes at the line. I really saw improvements.”

For Frigoni, the Philippines’ World Championship debut is about more than winning sets—it’s about leaving a mark, showing progress, and drawing strength from the crowd. And in his view, the home fans could be the X-factor.

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