Italy defeats Poland 3-1 to set up EuroVolley 2026 final against Turkey

Semi-final victory in Istanbul

Italy secured a spot in the EuroVolley 2026 final by defeating Poland 3-1 at the Sinan Erdem Sports Hall in Istanbul on Saturday. Coached by Julio Velasco, the Italian team won the opening two sets 25-19 and 25-19 before Poland took the third set 21-25. Italy regained control in the fourth set to close out the match 25-16 and advance to Sunday's title contest.

Prior to the match, Velasco emphasized the tactical mindset required from his squad.

I often talk to the girls about aggressiveness because it is important: it prevents you from doubting. In volleyball, where everything happens very quickly, if you start to doubt you risk losing control. For this reason I expect an aggressive Italy.

Individual scoring and team defense

Opposite hitter Paola Egonu led the scoring for Italy with 20 points, executing attacks from both wings and contributing at the net. Ekaterina Antropova recorded 14 points, while team captain Anna Danesi added 13 points, including the ace that concluded the second set. Middle blocker Sarah Fahr and outside hitter Myriam Sylla each contributed 9 points. Setter Alessia Orro directed the offense and opened the first set with an ace, while libero Eleonora Fersino managed defense and reception alongside substitute Ilaria Spirito.

Following the victory, Orro reflected on the team performance in comments to broadcasters.

It was wonderful and we cannot wait to take the court for the final. I am very happy for the group and for all the girls, who fought today from the first to the last ball.

Winning streak and tournament milestones

The victory against Stefano Lavarini's Polish squad extended Italy's winning streak against European national teams to 39 consecutive matches. Italy's last defeat against a European opponent occurred on 14 May 2024 in Ankara, where Poland won 3-0 in the Volleyball Nations League during Velasco's first official match of his current tenure. Reaching the final also made Velasco the first head coach in volleyball history to reach a European Championship gold medal match in both the men's and women's competitions.

This appearance marks Italy's sixth women's European Championship final, following appearances in 2001, 2005, 2007, 2009, and 2021. The team has won three continental titles, taking gold in 2007, 2009, and 2021. Having won gold at the Paris Olympics and the 2025 World Championship in Bangkok, Italy enters Sunday's final with an opportunity to hold Olympic, world, and European titles simultaneously.

Final matchup against Turkey

Italy will face tournament co-hosts Turkey in the final on Sunday, 6 September 2026, at 19:00 local time (18:00 Italian time) in Istanbul. Earlier on Saturday, Turkey defeated Serbia 3-0 in front of more than 10,000 spectators at the Sinan Erdem Sports Hall, led by 18 points from Melissa Vargas. Turkey is coached by Italian manager Daniele Santarelli, setting up a rematch of the 2025 World Championship final in Bangkok, which Italy won in a fifth-set tie-break.

Looking ahead to the matchup, Santarelli offered his assessment of the Italian squad.

Italy is the favorite.