Alan Nine
Turkey and Germany claimed the final two places in the Women’s EuroVolley quarter-finals and will now meet again in Istanbul.
Italy, meanwhile, continued their preparations for their quarter-final against Sweden, while the day’s other main stories included Cuba’s victory over Brazil, Rapha’s return to Sada Cruzeiro and the presentation of the Italian Beach Volleyball Championship Finals in Caorle.
Women’s EuroVolley
Defending champions Turkey defeated Azerbaijan 3-0 at the Sinan Erdem Sports Hall in Istanbul, winning 25-14, 25-16 and 25-22 in front of approximately 8,100 spectators.
Melissa Vargas led Turkey with 16 points as Daniele Santarelli’s team dominated the opening two sets before overcoming stronger resistance from Azerbaijan in the third.
Turkey also welcomed captain Eda Erdem back into the starting line-up for her first appearance of the tournament.
She scored nine points, all from attacks, in her tenth European Championship appearance, equalling the record held by Serbian setter Maja Ognjenović.
The match was the final appearance at international level for Azerbaijan’s Polina Rahimova, who led her team with 12 points.
Turkey will face Germany in Thursday’s quarter-final, in a repeat of their Pool A meeting, which Santarelli’s team won 3-1.
Germany secured their place in the last eight by recovering from a set down to defeat Belgium 3-2, winning 20-25, 25-21, 25-20, 25-27 and 15-8.
Leana Grozer led Germany with 28 points, 14 of which came across the final two sets.
Belgium saved two match points before taking the fourth set 27-25, but Germany pulled clear after the teams were level at 5-5 in the tie-break and eventually won it 15-8.
The victory extended Germany’s winning run against Belgium to 13 consecutive international matches.
Italy are preparing for Wednesday’s quarter-final against Sweden in Brno, having defeated the same opponents in straight sets during the pool stage.
Outside hitter Gaia Giovannini said that the previous result should have no bearing on the knockout match, as Sweden now know Italy better and have had more time to study their game.
Giovannini, who is competing in her first senior European Championship, also highlighted the consistently high standard of the tournament.
International
Cuba completed their FIPAV Cup Men Elite campaign in Messina with a 3-1 victory over Brazil, winning 19-25, 25-21, 25-23 and 25-18.
It was the second consecutive match in which Brazil lost after winning the opening set, following their defeat by Italy.
López led Cuba with 16 points, while Yant added 15. Cuba recorded ten blocks, compared with six for Brazil.
Bryan was Brazil’s leading scorer with 20 points, while Lucarelli contributed 14.
Brazil will now travel to Paris for two friendly matches against France before returning to South America for the continental championship in Rio de Janeiro.
International Clubs
Veteran setter Rapha will return to the court with Sada Cruzeiro at the beginning of the 2026/27 season.
The Brazilian club asked him to come out of retirement because Matheus Brasília is away on international duty and Gustavo is injured.
Rapha will be available for Sada Cruzeiro during the Minas Gerais Championship and will also help with the development of the club’s younger players.
His return gives the first team an experienced option during the opening stages of the season.
Beach Volleyball
The Italian Beach Volleyball Championship Finals will take place in Caorle from Friday, September 4 to Sunday, September 6.
The event will be staged at the White Oasis area of Spiaggia di Levante and will bring together Italy’s leading pairs following a nine-event national tour.
Qualification will take place on Friday, followed by the main draw on Saturday and the men’s and women’s title matches on Sunday.
Reka Orsi Toth and Valentina Gottardi will be among the leading players competing during the final weekend of the domestic season.
