Türkiye retains European crown after thrilling Italy final - Milliyet

Milliyet AppUygulamayı AçWebWeb'de Devam Et ENTürkiye retains European crown after thrilling Italy finalNewsTürkiye Retains European Crown After Thrilling Italy FinalTürkiye retains European crown after thrilling Italy final07.09.2026 - 11:11 | Last Updated: 07.09.2026 - 11:11

Türkiye’s women’s national volleyball team secured another historic European title after edging Italy 3-2 in a closely contested final in Istanbul.

Italy made the stronger start and took the opening set 25-16, but Türkiye responded immediately, winning the second set 25-22 to level the match.

The Italian side regained control in the third set, winning 25-12, before Türkiye fought back once again with a 25-21 victory in the fourth set to force a decisive fifth set.

The reigning champions kept their composure when it mattered most, winning the final set 15-10 to complete a 3-2 comeback and claim the gold medal. Italy had to settle for silver.

Under head coach Daniele Santarelli, Türkiye has continued to establish itself as one of the leading forces in international women’s volleyball.

The national team won its first-ever Volleyball Nations League title in 2023 after beating China 3-1 in the final. Later that year, Türkiye also defeated Serbia 3-2 in the European Championship final to claim its first continental title.

Türkiye has now repeated that success in 2026, winning gold in both major competitions and adding another landmark chapter to its recent rise in international volleyball.