In an electrifying semi-final match of the Women’s European Volleyball Championship, Türkiye triumphed over Italy with a 3-2 victory (18-25, 25-23, 15-25, 25-22, 15-6). Italy’s chances to secure the European title came to an end, while Türkiye advances to the final against either Serbia or the Netherlands.
The Turkish team, coached by Italian Daniele Santarelli, showcased resilience by twice coming back to level the sets. Italy led during the early sets but faltered in critical moments, allowing Türkiye to seize victory.
In the first set, Italy came back from a 15-14 deficit to win 25-18. Türkiye countered in the second set, fending off a late Italian surge to clinch it 25-23. Italy dominated the third set, winning 25-15, but couldn’t maintain the lead in the fourth set. Türkiye leveled the score again, winning the fourth set 25-22.
Türkiye triumphed in the tie-break, taking the set 15-6. Paola Egonu led the scoring for Italy with 25 points, while Pietrini followed with 16. Similarly, Melisa Vargas was the standout player of the match, also tallying 25 points, and was closely trailed by Karakur who scored 18.
The win follows Türkiye’s victory in the 2023 VNL and sets the stage for them to claim their first-ever European Championship title. Both teams delivered a spectacular contest, replete with high drama and nail-biting finishes, embodying the best of international volleyball competition.
Italy vs. Türkiye 2-3 (25-18, 23-25, 25-15, 22-25, 6-15)
Italy: Pietrini 16, Danesi 10, Antropova 4, Sylla 10, Lubian 11, Orro 1, Fersino (L). Egonu 25, Squarcini, Degradi, Bosio, Parrocchiale, Nwakalor, Omoruyi, Coach: Mazzanti.
Türkiye: Karakurt 18, Zehra 11, Vargas 25, Baladin 7, Erdem 9, Ozbay, Lorge (L). Aykac, Sahin 1, Kalac, Aydin, Akoz, Akman, Cebecioglu, Coach: Santarelli.
Semifinals in Brussels
Italy vs. Turkiye 2-3 (25-18, 23-25, 25-15, 22-25, 6-15)
Serbia vs. Netherlands
