Poland faces Italy in European Volleyball Championship semifinal after defeating Netherlands
Poland defeated the Netherlands 3-1 in Istanbul to advance to the Women's European Volleyball Championship semifinal against world number one Italy on Saturday.
Poland secured a place in the semifinals of the 2026 Women's European Volleyball Championship after defeating the Netherlands 3-1 in Istanbul. The victory is the first time the national team has reached the medal zone at a European Championship, World Championship, or Olympic Games under head coach Stefano Lavarini.
The Polish team faces world number one Italy on Saturday for a place in the final. Poland's opposite Magdalena Stysiak addressed the matchup against the reigning Olympic and world champions.
Since we are already here, why not take advantage of it. We are aware of the opponent we have. They are world champions, Olympic champions. They play very good volleyball. This match will not be easy, but I would like to focus on our volleyball, not on theirs. On what we show in this match, not them.
Italy reached the semifinal after winning all five matches in the group stage while dropping only one set. Poland also went undefeated in group play, including a victory over Turkey. Poland last defeated Italy 3-0 on 14 May 2024 in the Nations League, but Italy has since won all five subsequent encounters between the two teams, taking four matches 3-0 and one 3-2.
They have the pressure, we do not. They have to, and we only can.
Italy's attack features opposite Paola Egonu and Jekaterina Antropowa, alongside offensive play through the middle. For Poland, Stysiak remains the primary offensive option for the setters, supported by scoring contributions from Monika Lampkowska and Julita Piasecka.
