A Milli Kadın Voleybol Takımı Defends European Crown Against Italy
According to match reports from Spor Arena, the A National Women’s Volleyball Team defeated Italy 3-2 in the 2026 CEV European Women’s Volleyball Championship final to secure their second European title. Playing as the host nation, the squad clinched the gold medal following a grueling five-set battle on September 6, 2026, building on their historic 2023 championship victory.
How the Five-Set Final Unfolded Set by Set
Italy opened the match aggressively, dominating the first set behind powerful plays from Egonu and Antropova. According to Spor Arena, Egonu pushed the lead to nine points at 18-9 before Danesi sealed the opening set at 25-16 for the visitors. Italy maintained momentum early in the second set, jumping to a 12-6 lead following an Antropova smash.
Turkey responded decisively after a timeout called by the bench. Vargas sparked a 5-0 scoring run with a powerful kill, narrowing the gap to 12-11. Vargas leveled the score at 15-15 with a tactical placement, and Zehra Güneş gave Turkey its first lead of the set with a crucial block. The hosts capitalized on the shift in momentum to close out the second set 25-22.
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The third set heavily favored Italy once more. Fahr contributed a key block during an early 6-0 run, while Antropova served consecutive aces to stretch the advantage to 11 points at 19-8. Egonu capped off the dominant frame with a spike to secure a 25-12 win, pushing Italy ahead 2-1 in sets.
Backed by home-court crowds, Turkey mounted a strong comeback in the fourth set. Güneş ignited an early 3-0 run, and team captain Eda Erdem Dündar extended the lead to 12-5 with a powerful attack. Maintaining their composure through the closing points, Turkey claimed the fourth set 25-21 courtesy of a Vargas placement to force a decisive tie-break.
In the fifth and final set, Turkey controlled the pace from the opening whistle. According to match accounts, the team maintained its upper hand through the closing rallies to take the tie-break 15-10, sealing the 3-2 victory and the tournament championship.
Dignitaries Attend the Championship Match in Istanbul
Youth and Sports Minister Osman Aşkın Bak watched the final match from the sidelines alongside Istanbul Governor Davut Gül and Turkish Volleyball Federation President Mehmet Akif Üstündağ, according to Spor Arena reports. The senior officials joined the post-match celebrations as the team collected their tournament medals and lifted the championship trophy.
Set Score Breakdown
- First Set: Türkiye 16 – 25 İtalya
- Second Set: Türkiye 25 – 22 İtalya
- Third Set: Türkiye 12 – 25 İtalya
- Fourth Set: Türkiye 25 – 21 İtalya
- Fifth Set: Türkiye 15 – 10 İtalya
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2026 CEV European Women’s Volleyball Championship?
According to Spor Arena, the A National Women’s Volleyball Team won the tournament by defeating Italy 3-2 in the final.
Is this Turkey’s first European Volleyball Championship title?
No. According to match coverage, Turkey previously won its first European title in 2023, making this victory their second European championship.
Who attended the final match from government and sports leadership?
Youth and Sports Minister Osman Aşkın Bak attended the match from the sidelines alongside Istanbul Governor Davut Gül and Turkish Volleyball Federation President Mehmet Akif Üstündağ, as reported by Spor Arena.