The Italian women’s volleyball team fell short in their final match of the AIA Aequilibrium Cup, losing 1-3 to a sharp and spirited German side (19-25, 18-25, 25-19, 22-25).
Despite two thrilling tiebreak wins earlier in the tournament, the Azzurre couldn’t find their rhythm against a resilient Germany. The visitors dominated early, and though Italy roared back in the third set with a dramatic 13-1 run, the comeback fizzled in the fourth after key reception errors.
Germany’s Cekulaev led all scorers with 19 points, while Alsmeier and Kindermann added 17 and 10. For Italy, Degradi topped the scoreboard with 9, followed by Nervini with 7 and Gray with 6.
Türkiye emerged as the surprise tournament champions with two wins and a superior set ratio. The final standings: Türkiye first, Italy second, Germany third, and the Netherlands fourth.
Full Results:
May 25:
Türkiye def. Netherlands 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-14)
Germany def. Italy 3-1 (19-25, 18-25, 25-19, 22-25)
May 23:
Türkiye def. Germany 3-1 (25-23, 25-21, 23-25, 25-21)
Italy def. Netherlands 3-2 (25-14, 30-32, 25-25, 24-26, 15-10)
May 24:
Netherlands def. Germany 3-2 (23-25, 25-22, 17-25, 25-16, 15-11)
Italy def. Türkiye 3-2 (14-25, 25-22, 17-25, 29-27, 15-9)
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