Italy gives Poland a volleyball lesson in Istanbul as European Championship final slips away

Poland’s women came within one match of the European Championship final, but Italy’s strength ended their run in Istanbul. Italy won the semifinal 3-1, taking the sets 25-19, 25-19, 21-25 and 25-16.

Poland had reached the medal stage for the first time since 2019 without losing a match along the way. Expectations grew, but the semifinal brought the toughest possible opponent: Italy, the Olympic and world champion and the top-ranked team.

The Italians had also won the previous five meetings between the teams, although Poland defeated them in the 2024 Nations League. Poland captain Magdalena Stysiak said Italy carried greater pressure into the match, while Poland wanted to build on its progress and challenge them with strong serving.

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They carry greater pressure. They must win, while we only can.

Poland took its first lead only in the third set and opened a five-point advantage at one stage. That did not unsettle Italy. The Olympic champions regained control and reached the final after four sets.

Italy will play Turkey for gold after Turkey swept Serbia 3-0. Poland will face Serbia for bronze on Sunday. Serbia are two-time world champions, having won in 2018 and 2022, and bring significant experience despite exiting last year’s tournament in the round of 16.

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We have dreamed of reaching the European Championship’s final four from the beginning, but we are hungry for further success.