Daily Volleyball News - September 5: Italy beat Poland to reach EuroVolley final

Italy reached the Women’s EuroVolley final with a four-set victory over Poland in Istanbul.

They will face hosts Turkey in Sunday’s title match after Daniele Santarelli’s team defeated Serbia in straight sets. Elsewhere, Egypt celebrated both a continental title and a historic Olympic qualification in Nairobi.

Women’s EuroVolley

Italy defeated Poland 3-1 (25-19, 25-19, 21-25, 25-16) to reach their sixth European Championship final.

Julio Velasco’s team controlled the opening two sets before losing momentum when Poland changed their line-up in the third. Italy responded emphatically in the fourth to secure their place in the final.

The Italian block proved decisive. Italy recorded 18 blocks to Poland’s four and converted 48% of their attacks, compared with 38% for their opponents.

Paola Egonu led the scoring with 20 points, while Ekaterina Antropova contributed 14 and captain Anna Danesi added 13.

Poland replaced the struggling Magdalena Stysiak during the third set and found a more effective combination, taking the set 25-21.

Italy quickly regained control, however, with Danesi and Antropova driving an early run in the fourth. Danesi scored the final point of a match dominated by Italy’s work at the net.

The victory gives Italy the opportunity to add the European title to their Olympic and world crowns. The Soviet Union are the only team to have completed that sequence, achieving the feat twice.

Sunday’s final will also decide direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Turkey secured their place in the final with a 3-0 victory over Serbia (25-20, 25-19, 25-20).

Melissa Vargas scored 18 points as Santarelli’s team played with greater consistency and finished the match with ten blocks.

Serbia made several changes to their line-up but were unable to alter the course of the match.

The bronze-medal match between Serbia and Poland will begin at 15:00 in Istanbul on Sunday, followed by the final between Italy and Turkey at 18:00.

Julio Velasco said Italy would need to block out the atmosphere inside the arena and avoid the significant lapses they experienced during the third set against Poland.

Olympic Qualification

Egypt won the 2026 African Women’s Championship and secured their first appearance in the women’s indoor volleyball tournament at the Olympic Games.

They defeated hosts Kenya 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-15) in the final at the Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi.

It was Egypt’s fourth continental title and their first since 2003, when they also defeated Kenya in a final held in Nairobi.

Egypt completed a flawless campaign, winning all seven of their matches without dropping a set: 21 sets won and none lost.

Kenya claimed silver, while Cameroon secured bronze with a 3-0 victory over Rwanda.

The African title also earned Egypt direct qualification for Los Angeles 2028.

Egypt, Kenya and Cameroon secured Africa’s three places at the 2027 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Cup.

Men’s EuroVolley

A final decision on the venue for the opening EuroVolley match between Italy and Sweden on September 10 is expected by Monday.

Uncertain weather forecasts have cast doubt on the planned outdoor fixture in Naples.

The PalaSele in Eboli has been identified as the alternative venue if the weather forces organisers to move the match indoors.

Italian Clubs

Manuel Coscione has been officially presented by Cuneo following his return to his home city.

The setter brings experience accumulated over 26 seasons and will work alongside Bryan Argilagos, giving the club an experienced presence while also supporting its longer-term project.

Coscione described Cuneo as the place he considers both his home and where his heart belongs.

His arrival provides the team with veteran leadership in a key position as preparations continue for the new SuperLega season.

In Serie A2, Consoli Sferc Brescia completed their group of outside hitters by promoting Mattia Cavani to the first-team squad.

The 20-year-old developed primarily as a libero and will bring his receiving and defensive qualities to his new role.