Conegliano and VakifBank Reign Supreme as National Champions

A thrilling week of domestic league action concluded with two of Europe’s top clubs reclaiming their national crowns. In both Italy and Türkiye, the final series reached its third match, and #CLVolleyW semifinalists A. Carraro Imoco Volley Conegliano and VakifBank Istanbul once again asserted their dominance. With commanding wins, both clubs completed a 3-0 sweep in their respective series to lift the national titles—Conegliano for a remarkable seventh consecutive time, and VakifBank returning to the top after a two-year break.

In Italy, A. Carraro Imoco Volley Conegliano faced Vero Volley Milano in the third match of the Serie A1 playoff final. With a 2-0 lead already in hand, Conegliano entered the game full of confidence and quickly set the tone. Displaying consistent control in all aspects of the match, they secured a comprehensive 3-0 victory (25-22, 25-20, 25-21) to finish the season in style.

Brazilian outside hitter Gabriela Guimaraes was named MVP of the match with a solid 16-point performance, while Swedish opposite Isabelle Haak topped the scoresheet with 22 points. Despite 18 points from Italian star Paola Egonu, Milano couldn't find the rhythm needed to challenge the reigning champions. With this result, Conegliano sealed their seventh straight Italian league title and secured their fourth trophy of the season—adding the national title to their earlier triumphs in the Italian Super Cup, FIVB Club World Championship, and the Italian Cup. Impressively, the club has not lost a national trophy since February 2019.

Over in Türkiye, VakifBank Istanbul met archrivals Fenerbahce Medicana Istanbul for the third match of the Sultanlar League final series. Already holding two wins, VakifBank showed their championship intent from the first serve, quickly jumping to a 2-0 lead with dominant set wins. Though Fenerbahce responded in the third set with a much-improved performance, VakifBank closed the match in four sets (25-16, 25-15, 19-25, 25-19) to take the title.

Turkish setter Cansu Özbay was honored as the Most Valuable Player of the season, orchestrating a well-balanced attack. Russian rising star Marina Markova was the top scorer of the match with 24 points, including five blocks, while Fenerbahce’s Melissa Vargas tallied 17 points with six aces. VakifBank climbed back to the top of Turkish volleyball after two years and for the 14^th time in their history.

With their national titles secured, both Conegliano and VakifBank now shift their focus to the continental stage as they prepare for the CEV Champions League Volley semifinals—each looking to crown their season with European glory.