by sportswriter Wang Jingyu

BANGKOK, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- For Italy's women's volleyball team, winning the world title is clearly a more important goal than just extending its winning streak at international competitions.

Italy dominated Germany 3-0 on Saturday to reach the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIVB Women's Volleyball World Championship, stretching its winning streak at international competitions to 33 matches. They will next face world No. 3 Poland.

"What is important is to win this tournament," said Italy head coach Julio Velasco. "So we think about the final result. The matches on the road and winning in a row are not so important."

The 73-year-old coach, who had led Italy's men's national team to two World Championship titles, one World Cup, one World Grand Champions Cup and five World League trophies, repeated his success after taking charge of the women's team in November 2023, guiding it to three major titles - the 2024 Paris Olympic gold, and the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) titles in 2024 and 2025.

Regarded as the top favorite at this World Championship, Italy remains unbeaten in four matches, having dropped only one set.

Middle blocker Sarah Fahr also downplayed the winning streak, stressing the team's focus on the present.

"We're not looking back. We're just thinking about what we have to do at this moment. I think the key is being focused on every single match," she said. "We know we are strong and can achieve amazing things, but every team that has reached this stage shares the same goal. So, as always, we take it step by step."

She also acknowledged the challenge ahead. "Because we won [the Olympics] last year, every team wants to beat us. So every match will be difficult for us."

Responding to Brazil head coach Jose Roberto Guimaraes' comment on Italy being "a level above the rest," Fahr said, "That's a huge compliment, though not everyone may agree. We achieved great things last year and have a chance to do something great again this year. But nothing is guaranteed. So we have to work hard and go here."

Italy captain Anna Danesi credited the team's sustained success to its grounded approach.

"I think we are a team with a high level of humility," she said. "We don't look back at what we did, but we try to improve every day. Even when I play with a really strong player, I believe I can improve and do better for my team. I think this is the key to our amazing group."

She also praised Velasco's influence. "Last year, he helped us remove the burden of pressure and allowed us to play more freely. He's a great coach. Every day, he says something and gives advice that we can apply not only on the court but also in our lives. That's really amazing."

Danesi added that she particularly appreciated Velasco's unflustered demeanor. "He is calm and patient. This is very important for me, because I'm also calm and patient. So I need this."

Velasco credited the athletes for the team's success. "This is an exceptional group. They train hard every day and always look to improve. At the start of the season, I told them, 'we must work thinking we lost last year.' This is the mentality we should have."

The coach also emphasized the importance of composure. "We talk a lot about this: don't get anxious, be consistent, and think. We are strong, but we focus on each ball - each ball, each ball, each ball. That's what we did, so I am very happy with this."  ■