The Italians did not defend their title on home court. Poles become European volleyball champions for the second time in history

The 33rd European Volleyball Championships culminated in Rome on Saturday evening. Italy wanted to defend their 2021 title at home, but they failed to do so. The final was dominated in three sets by the Poles, who celebrated their second continental gold. The bronze went to the Slovenians.

Four countries hosted the men’s volleyball championships for the third time in a row. In addition to Italy, Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Israel also played in the main groups. The Czech Republic, which co-hosted the tournament two years ago, advanced to the eighth round.

There, they met the favoured Serbia and, according to the paper expectations, lost to the Balkan team after sets of 21:25, 24:26 and 21:25.

In the quarter-finals they lost 1:3 in sets to the later finalists from Poland. Our northern neighbours made it to the title match thanks to a semi-final victory over Slovenia 23:25, 25:21, 25:20 and 25:21.

The defending champions Italy, after a clear win over the North Macedonians, played a tough five-set duel with the Dutch in the play-off opener. They eventually won the quarter-final tiebreak 15:12. They did not lose a set to the French, winning 25:21, 25:19 and 25:23.

Saturday’s highlight in the capital of the Apennine Peninsula was preceded by the afternoon clash for third place. The Slovenians lost their 2:0 lead in the final set, but held on to the win. After a tiebreak victory of 15:11, they hung the bronze medals around their necks.

The final in front of more than ten thousand spectators in the stands, starting at 9 p.m., did not last that long. It was finished in 99 minutes with the final set scores of 25:20, 25:21 and 25:23 from the Polish point of view. Both top scorers, Pole Wilfredo León Venero and Italian Daniele Lavia, collected thirteen points.

Thanks to the success of coach Nikola Grbic’s selection, Poland is enjoying its second triumph at the Men’s Volleyball European Championship, the first one having been celebrated in 2009. It confirmed that it belongs to the international top. It also has three world titles to its credit.

Recently, the women’s European Championship was also held, where the Czechs played the quarter-finals. On 3 September, the Turkish women won the final 25:27, 25:21, 22:25, 25:22 and 15:13. The bronze medal match was won by the Dutch against the Italians 25:23, 28:26 and 25:20.

Source: CEV