Alan Nine
Men’s EuroVolley: Poland claim European crown and Olympic berth
MILAN – Poland were crowned 2026 Men’s EuroVolley champions and booked their place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games with a 3-1 victory over France at the Unipol Forum.
Nikola Grbić’s side edged a marathon opening set and doubled their advantage before France fought back in the third. Poland responded emphatically in the fourth to seal a 31-29, 25-19, 20-25, 25-16 victory.
The European champions become the sixth team to qualify for the men’s Olympic tournament, joining hosts the United States and fellow continental champions Brazil, Cuba, Japan and Tunisia.
Earlier, Finland secured a historic bronze medal with a 3-0 victory over Slovenia (25-23, 25-20, 29-27). In front of 5,881 spectators, Olli Kunnari’s side held their nerve through a tense finish to claim the country’s first medal at a major senior international volleyball tournament.
Finland’s victory was built on 11 blocks and a strong attacking contribution from three players. Nooa Marttila led all scorers with 19 points, including four blocks, while his brother Luka Marttila added 17. Veikka Lindqvist made a telling impact off the bench, contributing 12 points and converting 63 per cent of his attacks. Rok Možič led Slovenia with 15 points.
Slovenia opposite Nik Mujanović, who will play for Modena this season, finished with 11 points. Head coach Fabio Soli praised the commitment shown throughout the summer by Mujanović, who was born in 2004, and his willingness to switch between outside hitter and opposite. Soli also emphasised that the young attacker still had considerable scope for improvement.
Courmayeur Cup: Conegliano and Milano sweep into final
COURMAYEUR – Conegliano and Milano will meet in Sunday’s Courmayeur Cup final after both recorded straight-sets victories in the semi-finals.
Conegliano swept aside defending champions Novara 25-12, 25-21, 25-22, with Isabelle Haak contributing 19 points. Middle blocker Linda Manfredini earned match MVP honours with 13 points, including five blocks, as Conegliano finished with ten blocks and converted 50 per cent of their attacks.
Milano followed with a 25-20, 27-25, 25-19 win over Scandicci, coming through a tight second set before closing out the match in three. Paola Egonu was named match MVP after scoring 21 points, while Khalia Lanier added 11 and Eleonora Fersino played a key role in defence. Kiera Van Ryk was Scandicci’s leading scorer with 14 points.
Scandicci face Novara in Sunday’s third-place play-off at 15:30, before Conegliano and Milano contest the final at 18:00.
Transfer news: Zimmermann returns to Monza as cover for Rowan
MONZA – Jan Zimmermann has rejoined Vero Volley Monza as temporary cover for injured setter Andrew Rowan.
The German returns to familiar surroundings and will take over the team’s playmaking duties while the United States international recovers from a fractured right thumb sustained at the NORCECA Men’s Continental Championship.
Rowan underwent surgery in the United States on 22 September and is expected to return to action in late November.
European cups: Świderski says CEV plans Russian clubs’ return
Polish federation president Sebastian Świderski has said the CEV plans to readmit Russian clubs to European competition from the 2027/28 season.
However, Volleyball.it noted that the confederation has yet to publish a formal decision or explain how the proposed return would work in practice. Arrangements for visas and match venues are among the issues still to be clarified.
SuperLega: Battocchio puts youth and identity at heart of Cuneo’s season
CUNEO – Matteo Battocchio has begun his fourth consecutive season as Acqua Sant’Anna Cuneo head coach, placing youth development, a shared team culture and the club’s bond with the city at the centre of his plans.
Speaking at the team’s presentation in Piazza Galimberti, Battocchio described pressure as a privilege. He said the club’s ambition was to make supporters proud of the way the team represents Cuneo.
