The Netherlands secured a bronze medal at the European Championships by defeating Italy, the world’s fourth-ranked team, in straight sets. This victory marks their first medal since winning silver in the 2017 Championships and the seventh European Championship medal for the Netherlands overall. Meanwhile, Italy suffered a consecutive defeat in the European Volleyball Championship, after losing to Turkey in the semifinals, finishing the tournament off the podium.
Key Players and Match Lineups
In the final match of the European Championship, Italy’s starting six, chosen by coach Mazzanti, consisted of Orro, Antropova, Sylla, Pietrini, Danesi, Lubian, and Fersino. In response, the Netherlands, coached by Felix Koslowski, fielded Van Aalen, Plak, Daalderop, Jasper, Lohuis, Baijens, and Reesink.
Nika Daalderop was the standout player for the Netherlands, scoring 17 points. Elena Pietrini was the top scorer of the match with 18 points, while Ekaterina Antropova added 15 points for Italy.
The Netherlands vs. Italy 3-0 (25-23, 26-28, 25-20).
Netherlands: Van Aalen, Jasper M. (13), Lohuis (8), Plak (11), Daalderop (17), Baijens (12), Reesink (L), Knip, Jasper H., Dijkema, Timmerman, Dambrink, Knollema, Bongaerts, Coach: Koslowski
Italy: Sylla (4), Lubian (10), Orro (2), Pietrini (18), Danesi (5), Antropova (15), Fersino (L), Degradi, Bosio, Egonu (3), Parrocchiale, Nwakalor, Squarcini, Omoruyi, Coach: Mazzanti
