ISTANBUL — Türkiye defended their European women’s volleyball title with a five-set victory over Italy, completing a dramatic comeback in front of 17,299 home supporters.
Italy twice moved ahead in the match, taking the first and third sets. Türkiye answered on both occasions, forcing a deciding fifth set after a fourth-set response.
Melissa Vargas was central to the turnaround. She finished with 28 points and delivered several key attacks in the tiebreak as Türkiye took control of the final stages.
The victory secured Türkiye a second consecutive European title following their 2023 success and also booked their place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Vargas was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after another standout performance on the biggest stage.
Result: Italy 2-3 Türkiye (25-16, 22-25, 25-12, 21-25, 10-15)
All-Star Team:
Opposite: Melissa Vargas (Türkiye)
Setter: Alessia Orro (Italy)
Libero: Gizem Örge (Türkiye)
Middle Blocker: Hena Kurtagic (Serbia)
Middle Blocker: Zehra Günes (Türkiye)
Outside Hitter: Myriam Sylla (Italy)
Outside Hitter: Derya Cebecioglu (Türkiye)
Coach: Daniele Santarelli (Türkiye)
MVP: Melissa Vargas (Türkiye)
