Italy sweeps Croatia 3-0 in EuroVolley 2026 opener behind Antropova's 22 points
The Italian women's volleyball team opened Pool D at the Scandinavium in Gothenburg with a straight-sets victory over Croatia, recovering from a six-point deficit in the second set.
Dominant opening at Scandinavium
Italy began their EuroVolley 2026 campaign in Gothenburg with a 3-0 sweep against Croatia in Pool D, taking the sets 25-9, 25-22, and 25-23. Head coach Julio Velasco fielded a starting lineup featuring setter Alessia Orro, opposite Paola Egonu, outside hitters Ekaterina Antropova and Myriam Sylla, middle blockers Anna Danesi and Sarah Fahr, and libero Eleonora Fersino. The Italian squad established control from the opening serve, building leads of 5-0, 8-1, and 14-4 as Croatia struggled to reconstruct offensive plays. Danesi and Fahr anchored a dominant blocking line that extended the lead to 21-8, with Fahr scoring the final point to take the first set 25-9. Italian Volleyball Federation president Giuseppe Manfredi watched from the stands alongside visiting supporters across Sweden.
- Italy opens with an 8-1 run and finishes 25-9 on Sarah Fahr's winner
- Croatia builds a 13-7 advantage behind Mika Grbavica's serving
- Italy mounts a 7-0 run to level at 14-14 and takes the set 25-22
- Italy edges a close final frame 25-23 on Carlotta Cambi's match-ending ace
Second set turnaround
Croatia altered the match dynamic in the second set by finding consistency on attack and from the service line. Samanta Fabris pushed Croatia to a 10-7 lead, before Mika Grbavica delivered from the service line to establish a 12-7 and 13-7 advantage. Velasco adjusted by sending Ilaria Spirito on for Antropova to reinforce back-row reception, while also introducing substitutions with Merit Adigwe and Carlotta Cambi. A strong service sequence by Sylla and offensive conversions from Egonu and Antropova triggered a 7-0 run, equalizing the score at 14-14. Despite Croatia leveling again at 19-19, defensive recoveries by Fersino and a concluding block from Danesi closed the frame at 25-22.
Orro addressed the shift in momentum across the opening sets following the match.
It was a good 3-0, with an incredible first set. Julio had asked us to push right from the first point because it was important to start strong, and we managed to do it.
Points distribution and tactical control
The third set remained closely contested, with the teams tied early before Italy edged ahead 10-9. Antropova led all scorers on the court with 22 points while attacking from the outside position, while Egonu contributed 14 points. Danesi and Fahr recorded 8 points each to support the offense, while Grbavica finished as Croatia's top scorer with 14 points under coach Igor Arbutina. Italy maintained composure through late rallies before substitute setter Carlotta Cambi ended the match with a direct service ace at 25-23.
- Ekaterina Antropova
- 22 points
- Paola Egonu
- 14 points
- Mika Grbavica
- 14 points
- Anna Danesi
- 8 points
- Sarah Fahr
- 8 points
Egonu shared her assessment of the team's opening performance with European volleyball broadcasters.
I am very happy with this victory because we played well, made our mark, and delivered a great debut. We cannot wait to play the next one.
Mental approach and upcoming schedule
Velasco emphasized the importance of maintaining mental discipline during competitive setbacks rather than overthinking on-court errors.
When we make a mistake, we have to think about the next point: we do not analyze, we play. Otherwise we make another mistake thinking about the previous error.
The victory awards Italy their first points in Pool D as they continue their tournament schedule in Sweden. The squad returns to the Scandinavium court on 22 August at 15:00 to face Montenegro in their second group stage match.
