Piazza’s Iran prepare for global test

TEHRAN – As the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship approaches, the Iranian national team are entering the tournament with a refreshed and somewhat restructured squad under the guidance of Italian head coach Roberto Piazza.

The tournament, slated in the Philippines from Sept. 11 to 27, features 32 elite teams divided into eight groups, with Iran placed in Group A alongside Egypt, Tunisia, and hosts the Philippines.

The final roster for Iran comprises 14 players, marking a mix of experience and youth but also notable absences due to injury.

Key players Amin Esmaeilnejad and Javad Karimi, who have been influential in previous competitions, will miss the tournament because of injuries. Their absence has raised questions about Iran’s offensive firepower and the balance of the team.

However, replacements like Ali Ramazani and Ali Hajipour bring fresh energy and proven capabilities, particularly in the setter position, where the battle to become the main setter is a critical tactical decision for the coaching staff.

The coaching team’s strategy seems focused on maintaining a diverse attacking lineup with strong spikers like Ehsan Daneshdoust, Poriya Hossein Khanzadeh, and Ali Haghparast offering tactical versatility.

The infusion of younger players alongside veterans indicates a deliberate rebuilding effort, aiming to combine the experience gained from the recent Volleyball Nations League with the vitality of emerging talents.

*Strengths and potential challenges

Iran’s key strength lies in the cohesive unit developed under Piazza’s leadership during the 2025 VNL, where the team finished eighth. The team’s internal chemistry and mutual understanding are seen as assets that could compensate for the absence of some star players. The staff’s ability to identify and minimize weaknesses during the recent competitions suggests Iran are well-prepared to adapt and perform at their best.

Nevertheless, the World Championship will pose significant challenges. Iran face potential matches against volleyball powerhouses like Brazil and Serbia in the knockout stages, where experience and squad depth become critical. The relative youth and limited global tournament exposure of some Iranian players may test the team’s resilience against more battle-hardened opponents.

Expectations for Iran remain realistic yet ambitious: securing a place among the top eight teams is the primary goal, a benchmark reflecting the team’s current developmental phase. Coach Piazza’s psychological approach, emphasizing strong player-coach rapport and mental toughness, aims to maximize the squad’s potential in a high-pressure environment.

Tournament Schedule for Iran:

September 13: Iran vs. Egypt

September 15: Iran vs. Tunisia

September 17: Iran vs. Philippines