Türkiye retain European crown
Playing before a packed Sinan Erdem Sports Hall in Istanbul, Türkiye overcame Italy 16-25, 25-22, 12-25, 25-21, 15-10 to claim the gold medal.
The victory follows Türkiye’s historic triumph in 2023, when they won their first European title by beating Serbia in the final.
Türkiye fight back
Italy made the stronger start and took control of the opening set behind the attacking performances of Paola Egonu and Ekaterina Antropova, winning 25-16.
Türkiye fell 12-6 behind in the second set but fought back through Melissa Vargas. The hosts eventually moved ahead for the first time at 21-20 after a block by Zehra Güneş and closed out the set 25-22.
Italy responded emphatically in the third set, building an early lead and exploiting Türkiye’s errors in serve reception and attack. Italy won 25-12 to move within one set of the title.
Backed by a passionate home crowd, Türkiye regained control in the fourth set. Zehra Güneş and captain Eda Erdem Dündar played key roles as the hosts won 25-21 to force a deciding set.
Türkiye dominated the fifth set and completed the comeback with a 15-10 victory.
Vargas named mvp
Melissa Vargas was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after playing a major role in Türkiye’s championship run.
Vargas also won the MVP award when Türkiye claimed the European title in 2023.
Türkiye dominated the tournament’s dream team selections, with Vargas, Derya Cebecioğlu, Zehra Güneş and libero Gizem Örge included. Italy’s Alessia Orro and Myriam Sylla and Serbia’s Hena Kurtagic completed the lineup.
Türkiye head coach Daniele Santarelli was named the dream team’s coach.
Santarelli wins fifth title
Santarelli secured his fifth major title with Türkiye since taking charge in 2023.
Under the Italian coach, Türkiye have won the VNL in 2023 and 2026, the 2023 World Cup and the 2023 European Championship.
After the final, Santarelli praised his players for recovering from a difficult third set and producing a strong response in the fourth and fifth sets.
Facing his native Italy made the occasion particularly challenging for Santarelli. He said he was fully committed to Türkiye and expressed his affection for the country and its people.
Eda erdem praises the comeback
Türkiye captain Eda Erdem Dündar described the final as a high-quality and entertaining match and said the team was extremely proud to win the European title for a second time.
She highlighted the support from the home crowd, particularly after the team fell behind in the third set.
Erdem also praised the contributions of the squad’s substitutes and Vargas, saying the team showed exceptional discipline in the fourth set and the deciding set.
Two titles in the summer
Saliha Şahin said the team had endured a difficult summer but was delighted to finish it with two major trophies.
Türkiye won the Volleyball Nations League earlier in the summer before adding the European Championship title.
Şahin said Italy were strong in every area of the game but Türkiye remained committed to their tactics and drew strength from the home crowd.
One defeat on the road to gold
Türkiye finished the European Championship with eight wins and one defeat.
They defeated Latvia, Slovenia, Hungary and Germany in the group stage but lost to Poland.
The team then beat Azerbaijan in the round of 16, Germany in the quarterfinals and Serbia in the semifinals before overcoming Italy in the final.
Istanbul celebrates
Istanbul hosted the group stage, knockout rounds and final matches of the tournament’s Türkiye leg.
More than 16,000 supporters filled the Sinan Erdem Sports Hall for the final, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the match.
After the final, Türkiye received the championship trophy from CEV President Roko Sikiric. Italy took silver and Serbia bronze.
Olympic qualification secured
The European title also secured Türkiye’s place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Türkiye became the first European women’s volleyball team to secure an Olympic qualification place through the continental championship. The remaining European Olympic places will be determined through next year’s World Championship and the FIVB world ranking.
Leaders congratulate champions
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz and several cabinet ministers congratulated the team following the victory.
Youth and Sports Minister Osman Aşkın Bak praised the players, coaching staff and supporters, while other ministers highlighted the team’s determination and contribution to national pride.
Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Ünal Üstel also congratulated the team, saying the victory had brought pride and morale to the Turkish community.
Terzic booed during ceremony
Serbia head coach Zoran Terzic was booed by sections of the crowd during the medal ceremony.
Terzic had faced criticism from Türkiye Volleyball Federation President Mehmet Akif Üstündağ following the semifinal after making comments concerning naturalized players and Türkiye.
The reaction continued during the trophy ceremony at the Sinan Erdem Sports Hall.
Türkiye’s 3-2 victory over Italy completed another remarkable championship campaign and confirmed the team as European champions for the second consecutive tournament.
Source:AA
