Italy’s women’s national team opened the AIA Aequilibrium Cup Women Elite with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Serbia in Genoa.
The Azzurre prevailed 25-23, 22-25, 22-25, 25-20, 15-12 after coming back from a 2-1 deficit in a high-intensity battle.
Head coach Julio Velasco started with Cambi at setter, Adigwe opposite, Nervini and Omoruyi as outside hitters, Marchisini and Manfredini in the middle, and Fersino as libero. Josephine Obossa made her senior Italy debut, while Antropova was not included in the squad.
Italy edged a balanced opening set 25-23 before Serbia responded by taking the next two sets 25-22 and 25-22, capitalizing on strong blocking and defensive pressure.
Facing defeat, Italy raised their level in the fourth set, with Omoruyi leading the charge as the hosts forced a tie-break with a 25-20 win. In the decisive fifth set, Adigwe inspired Italy to an early advantage before the home side closed out the match 15-12.
Earlier in the tournament, Türkiye defeated Poland 3-2 in another five-set contest.
Results – May 22, 2026
- Poland vs Türkiye 2-3 (22-25, 20-25, 25-22, 25-22, 9-15)
- Italy vs Serbia 3-2 (25-23, 22-25, 22-25, 25-20, 15-12)
Schedule – May 23, 2026
- Poland vs Serbia
- Italy vs Türkiye
Schedule – May 24, 2026
- Türkiye vs Serbia
- Italy vs Poland
