Italy clinched the top spot in the 20th edition of the Memorial of Hubert Jerzy Wagner, overcoming Poland on the last day 3-1 (25-18, 25-23, 21-25, 25-17). Held in Krakow, the three-day volleyball showcase witnessed Italy’s outstanding performance, accumulating seven points with two victories, while succumbing once in a tie-breaker against Slovenia.
This victory holds special significance as it marks Italy’s second title at the Wagner Memorial. The event pays homage to Hubert Wagner, a revered former player and head coach of the Polish national team. Under Wagner’s leadership, Poland secured the World Championship 1974 and Olympic gold in 1976.
Slovenia had a roller-coaster experience at the tournament. While they commenced with a commendable win against Poland (3:0) and a hard-fought victory over Italy (3:2), their undefeated streak came to an end against France. Despite a promising start (25-16), Slovenia eventually succumbed to France’s might, losing 1:3 (25-16, 19-25, 22-25, 20-25). The French side, before this match, hadn’t secured a win against either Italy or Poland in the tournament. As the tournament concluded, Italy led the charts with a decisive win against Poland, followed by Slovenia securing the second spot.
This edition of the Wagner Memorial was particularly significant, featuring volleyball giants like the 2023 Volleyball Nations League champions, Poland; the 2020 Olympic gold medalists and the 2022 Volleyball Nations League victors, France; Italy, the champions of the 2022 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship; and Slovenia, two-time (2019, 2021) EuroVolley silver medalists.
Wagner Memorial – Results
Friday, August 18th
Poland vs. Slovenia 0-3 (21-25, 18-25, 21-25)
Italy vs. France 3-0 (29-27, 25-21, 25-20)
Saturday, August 19th
Slovenia vs. Italy 3-2 (20-25, 25-19, 25-23, 21-25, 25-23)
Poland vs. France 3-1 (27-29, 25-16, 25-21, 25-20)
Sunday, August 20th
France vs. Slovenia 3-1 (16-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-20)
Italy vs. Poland 3-1 (25-18, 25-23, 21-25, 25-17)
Final Standings
- Italy: 2 wins (7 points)
- Slovenia: 2 wins (5 points)
- Poland: 1 win (3 points)
- France: 1 win (3 points)
Individual Awards
MVP: Simone Giannelli (Italy)
Best Setter: Simone Giannelli (Italy)
Best Outside Hitter: Alessandro Michieletto (Italy)
Best Libero: Pawel Zatorski (Poland)
Best Opposite: Rok Mozic (Slovenia)
Best Middle Blocker: Jan Kozamernik (Slovenia)
