Fans from around the world are expected in Rome for the seven-day long FIVB Swatch World Championships Rome 2011 at the Foro d'Italico

The top 48 teams for both men and women will take on each other over three days of pool action before the elimination phase which starts on Thursday and the likes of top seeds Todd Rogers is expecting nothing else than a world class event.

“It is a fantastic event, beautiful venue and superb courts while the people are great,” Olympic champion Rogers said. “We hope for a good tournament but the Italians are looking very strong and very organized with 1996 Olympic silver medallist Mike Dodd at the helm.”

One of the favourites for the men’s title Alison and Emanuel, who have won the last two FIVB Swatch World Toru events, are also expecting good things during the next week.
“The FIVB World Championships is the biggest tournament with the best athletes all there. It’s going to be a fascinating week because the level is improving,” Emanuel said.

“We are working very hard to a part of a successful World Championships,” Alison, who finished second at the FIVB Swatch World Championships said. “It is our dream to be top of the podium.”

Visit www.fivbheroes.com for more interviews from the stars ahead and during the FIVB Swatch World Championships Rome 2011.

The first matches of the FIVB Swatch World Championships Rome 2011 start at 11:30.