A thrilling night of volleyball awaits as Numia Vero Volley Milano takes on VakifBank Istanbul in a decisive CEV Champions League clash on Wednesday, January 22 at the Palalido in Milan. This match marks the conclusion of Pool C, with both teams vying for the coveted top spot. Fans can catch the live action on CEV EuroVolley TV, DAZN or Sky Sport.
A Crucial Match with Quarterfinals on the Line
The stakes couldn’t be higher: the team finishing first in Pool C will directly advance to the quarterfinals, avoiding an extra playoff round. Milano must secure a dominant win—either 3-0 or 3-1, depending on the point ratio—to unseat the Turkish powerhouse. Earlier in the tournament, Milano suffered their only European defeat, a tough 3-0 loss in Istanbul, but now they aim for redemption in front of their home crowd.
This matchup has become a hallmark of international volleyball, as the two teams face off in the group stage for the third time in four years. Adding to the excitement, Milano stars Paola Egonu and Nika Daalderop will square off against their former club, where they lifted the Champions League trophy.
VakifBank Istanbul: A Team to Beat
Under the guidance of the esteemed coach Giovanni Guidetti, VakifBank Istanbul remains a dominant force in European volleyball. With 15 points, VakifBank currently leads Pool C and looks to secure their spot in the quarterfinals.
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Milano’s Road to Redemption
Despite a packed schedule, Milano coach Stefano Lavarini is confident in his team’s progress:
“This match gives us the chance to overturn the standings and advance directly to the quarterfinals. We’ve worked hard in recent weeks, and our improvements are evident. Facing a team of VakifBank’s caliber will be a great measure of how far we’ve come.”
Milano captain Myriam Sylla also expressed her determination:
“We know the importance of this match. In the first leg, we couldn’t perform at our best. Now, we’re ready to impose our rhythm and secure the points we need to finish first. It’s time to prove our worth on the court.”
